RCB beats CSK on social media days after humiliating them on the field

Following their on-field victory, RCB surpassed CSK as the most-followed IPL team on Instagram, with a total of 17.8 million followers.

RCB beats CSK on social media days after humiliating them on the field

RCB overtook CSK on Instagram, becoming the most followed IPL team. (via Economic Times)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, after defeating their arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings in a heated 2025 IPL encounter last week, have once again beaten them off the field. RCB most recently became the most-followed Indian Premier League team on Instagram, overtaking CSK.

Rajat Patidar-led RCB scripted history by claiming an emphatic 50-run victory over five-time IPL winners CSK last Friday. It marked their first win at Chepauk in 17 years. RCB’s last ever victory in Chennai came in the inaugural season of the IPL, back in 2008. The historic triumph did escalate the rivalry between the two southern Indian teams that has continued for years now.

Batting first against CSK, RCB posted a mammoth total of 196 runs for the loss of seven wickets on the slow tracks of Chepauk. It was an above-par target, with CSK players floundering several chances throughout the match. Skipper Rajat Patidar top-scored with 51 runs off 32 balls. Meanwhile, Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Tim David, and Devdutt Padikkal played crucial knocks as well.

A disciplined RCB bowling lineup, led by pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazzlewood, and Yash Dayal, restricted the Men in Yellow to a mere total of 146 runs. Despite CSK talisman MS Dhoni scoring a quick knock of 30 runs at the end, the home side still fell short by 50 runs. Dhoni, however, surpassed Suresh Raina to become the team’s leading run scorer, in a rather unforgettable outing for the five-time winners.

Following the match, memes mocking MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings flooded social media. Netizens even criticized the veteran Indian wicket-keeper for coming out too late to bat at number nine. Interestingly, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have now defeated the Yellow Army on social media as well, marking another major win off the field.

RCB went past CSK in the list of IPL franchises with the most followers on Instagram. They successfully clinched the number one spot. The Bengaluru side has a total of 17.8 million followers, while CSK is marginally behind with 17.7 million followers. Mumbai Indians are next with 16.2 million followers, while Kolkata Knight Riders are way behind with 7 million followers. 

RCB’s on-field performances have seemingly helped them gain followers, added with Kohli’s popularity. The 36-year-old remains the most searched cricketer of all time. Moreover, Bengaluru is enjoying their time on top of the IPL 2025 table, with two wins from two matches. 

Ex-RCB star AB de Villiers calls out the former side’s ‘wild’ IPL schedule this season 

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru star and IPL legend AB de Villiers called out the team’s ‘wild’ schedule for the 2025 edition of the tournament. RCB, however, have started the season on a positive note, winning both their opening games. 

AB de Villiers RCB schedule
AB de Villiers expressed surprise at RCB’s 2025 IPL schedule. (via Mint)

The uber-popular IPL franchise won their opening fixture against defending champions KKR. It was followed by another emphatic win over CSK. Both of these matches were played away from home. Speaking on the team’s schedule, AB de Villiers noted that RCB would have to keep travelling, with each home game followed by another away fixture until the month of May, something he deemed baffling.

While the South African added that it might be challenging, he urged the team to make it their biggest strength. de Villiers stated that the constant traveling could help keep the squad together. He claimed that the players might lose connection if they stayed in Bengaluru for long.

Look at that [ RCB’s schedule] away, away, now they go home. Then they are away again, home, away, home, away. I’ve never seen a situation like this, and it is challenging, but it can be one of your strengths.

AB de Villiers on RCB’s schedule this IPL season (H/T Hindustan Times)

Meanwhile, RCB next face Gujarat Titans in their first home game of the season. It will be followed by a trip to the Wankhede to face Mumbai Indians. AB de Villiers also added that the team’s road to their maiden IPL triumph has become easier, after they defeated tough opponents like KKR and CSK.