RCB Edge CSK, Top IPL Table, CSK Eliminated

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by two runs in a high-stakes IPL 2025 match, marking the first time RCB has beaten CSK twice in one season. Romario Shepherd scored an explosive unbeaten 53 off 14 balls—the second-fastest IPL fifty—helping RCB post 213/5, aided by Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell. CSK's chase was anchored by Ayush Mhatre's 94 and Ravindra Jadeja's unbeaten 77, but they fell just short as Yash Dayal bowled a tense final over. MS Dhoni accepted responsibility for the loss, citing missed opportunities and execution issues in the death overs. The victory propelled RCB to the top of the points table, while CSK were eliminated from playoff contention with their ninth defeat. Shepherd was named Player of the Match for his match-defining performance.