Introduction
The IPL 2025 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) turned into yet another classic, and at the center of it all stood Yash Dayal. In a gripping final-over battle, Dayal once again denied MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, defending 14 runs under dew-laden pressure and propelling RCB to the top of the points table with 16 points. Here are the top 5 moments that defined this unforgettable match.
1. Dayal’s Final Over Execution Under Pressure
With 14 needed off the last over and Dhoni at the crease, the odds were stacked against the young left-arm seamer. Dayal stuck to his plan of bowling full tosses and near-yorkers, despite slippery conditions. His third delivery dismissed Dhoni, and he held his nerve as Jadeja and Dube could only muster singles. RCB sealed a thrilling two-run victory, thanks to his composure.
2. Shepherd’s Blistering Finish – 14-Ball Fifty
Romario Shepherd redefined late-innings acceleration, smashing 54 runs in the final two overs. His 14-ball fifty, the joint second-fastest in IPL history, featured four sixes and two fours off Khaleel Ahmed alone. He capped it with a six off the final ball, finishing with 53* and transforming RCB’s total to a daunting 213.
3. Kohli and Bethell Lay the Foundation
RCB’s opening duo of Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell powered their way to a 71-run stand in the powerplay — their highest home season tally. Bethell, replacing Phil Salt, struck 55 off 29, while Kohli registered his seventh fifty of the season with a fluent 62. Their aggressive intent ensured RCB never lost momentum early on.
4. Ayush Mhatre’s Coming of Age Knock
At just 17, Ayush Mhatre stunned the RCB bowlers and crowd alike with a sensational 94 off 48 balls. His 114-run stand with Jadeja nearly took CSK over the line. Mhatre’s clean hitting in the powerplay, especially a 26-run over off Bhuvneshwar Kumar, showed why he’s hailed as CSK’s brightest young star this season.
5. Virat’s Drop and Redemption
With 18 runs required off 12 balls, Virat Kohli dropped Jadeja at long-on — a moment that nearly turned the tide. But Dayal’s next-over redemption made up for it. Kohli’s batting and leadership remained critical in keeping RCB afloat despite late drama.
Conclusion
The clash at the Chinnaswamy Stadium was IPL at its best: high drama, young stars rising, and legends being tested. Yash Dayal’s cool finish, Shepherd’s carnage, and Mhatre’s breakout innings turned this game into an instant classic. With RCB now on top of the table, the playoffs edge closer — and so do more such thrilling encounters.
Don’t miss: Romario Shepherd’s Finishing Power in IPL 2025
