‘Loud RCB RCB’ chants take over Chepauk during CSK’s humiliating loss 

Loud cheers and chants in support of RCB dominated the Chepauk stadium, following the team's impressive victory over Chennai Super Kings.

‘Loud RCB RCB’ chants take over Chepauk during CSK’s humiliating loss 

'RCB' chants dominated the Chepauk, during the team's impressive victory over CSK. (via Hindustan Times)

Loud cheers celebrating Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s win over five-time IPL winners and arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings, took over the MA Chidambaram Stadium. RCB claimed a historic 50 run win over CSK, to move atop the IPL table.

It marked Chennai Super Kings’ heaviest defeat at their home ground, at their often called unbreakable fortress. It has remained an unconquerable battleground for several IPL franchises. CSK enjoy an impressive 70 percent win record at Chepauk. RCB’s victory was also the first for the team in 17 years. Their last win in Chennai was during the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League in 2008. 

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The two teams have a rivalry that has evolved over the past few seasons. As the record stands, CSK however, has an edge over RCB in head-to-head record. They have won 21 matches out of 34, while RCB have only won 12 till now. Another major differential between the two teams remains in terms of trophy wins, with the Men in Yellow having claimed five IPL titles, while RCB have won none.

In the most recent encounter, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, batting first, put up a formidable first innings total of 196 runs. It was a huge total, keeping in mind that it is difficult to score big on Chepauk’s slow tracks. RCB skipper Rajat Patidar top-scored with 51 runs off 32 balls, while Phil Salt, Virat Kohli and Tim David played some crucial knocks. For CSK, Noor Ahmed claimed three wickets, giving away 36 runs.

CSK seemed out of the race from the very onset owing to their poor fielding efforts, which included a few dropped catches. Chasing 197, the home side could only make it to 146 runs, losing eight wickets. Rachin Ravindra was the top-scorer with 41 runs off 31 balls, while the entire CSK middle-order collapsed. Moreover, MS Dhoni, who came to bat at the tail end, scored a quickfire knock of 30 runs off just 16 balls.

As the match was coming to an end and the home fans already knew that their side was on the losing end, the entire atmosphere at the Chepauk surprised everyone. It was dominated by ‘RCB-RCB’ chants, a rare sight. The cheers from the visiting fans was so loud that the DJ had to step in. The DJ urged the home crowd to scream ‘Chennai-Chennai’. Video of the same went viral on social media.

Nonetheless, CSK will be hoping to make a strong comeback from the dismal defeat, when they next take on Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. Meanwhile, RCB face Gujarat Titans in their first home game of the season, at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, a venue they have cherished.

Ex-CSK star scrutinizes MS Dhoni’s decision against RCB, claims he should have batted higher up the order  

Former Chennai Super Kings’ star and Australian all-rounder Shane Watson scrutinized MS Dhoni’s decision to come out to bat at number nine. It came after a heavy 50-run defeat against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The 43-year-old claimed that Dhoni should have batted higher up the order. 

Shane Watson on CSK MS Dhoni
Ex-CSK star Shane Watson questioned MS Dhoni’s decision to bat down the order, against RCB. (via Business Standard)

Shane Watson, who was the hero of the 2018 IPL final. He had scored a century for CSK, against the Sunrisers Hyderbad, helping the team lift its third IPL title. He questioned the team and MS Dhoni’s decision to bat at number nine, even behind R. Ashwin. Watson stated that the fans would have loved to see him up the order, given the situation. He later scored a blistering knock of 30 runs.

This is exactly what CSK fans come to see, 30 off 16 deliveries from MS Dhoni. I would have absolutely loved to see him come up the order… Given the situation, he could have played like this for another 15 balls.

Shane Watson on CSK talisman MS Dhoni (H/T Business Standard)

Moreover, Shane Watsone also criticized CSK’s decision to send Rahul Tripathi as Rachin Ravindra’s opening partner, over captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. He questioned the inclusion of out-of-form stars like Tripathi and Deepak Hooda, in the lineup as well.