CHAPTER 101: CAN RCB PREVENT CSK FROM CROSSING 190+?

The match had reached its most decisive phase. CSK stood at 112 for 2 after 15 overs, their middle-order batters pushing for acceleration. But RCB’s bowling unit remained composed—they had studied CSK’s finishing patterns and understood that the next five overs would define the match.

Raj stood near the field boundary, observing Dhoni as he warmed up near the dugout. This was the moment RCB had prepared for all season—CSK’s death-over assault was legendary, and their ability to transform a stable innings into a high-scoring finish made them one of the most dangerous teams.

"We close them down before they start swinging freely."

The fielders repositioned as Siraj marked his run-up for the 16th over. The battle was about to escalate.

CSK’s Death Overs Strategy – Calculated Explosion

Unlike teams that relied purely on blind aggression, CSK’s death-overs strategy was carefully planned:

Pacing acceleration intelligently – CSK didn’t hit every ball wildly; they chose their delivery targets carefully before going for boundaries.

Utilizing Dhoni’s late-phase mastery – The former captain was one of the best finishers in IPL history, ensuring that CSK’s last five overs produced consistent power hitting.

Maximizing gaps rather than six-hunting – Instead of forcing sixes unnecessarily, CSK focused on finding gaps for quick doubles, ensuring their scoring remained fluid.

RCB had prepared for this. Their bowling unit had mapped every possible angle CSK would target.

"We force mistakes before they break loose."

Siraj sprinted in, delivering a full-length swinging delivery toward off-stump.

Dube watched the movement, adjusted his stance, and lifted his bat late—guiding the ball over extra cover.

Four runs.

CSK had officially entered their acceleration phase.

Next ball—short-pitched, rising toward Dube’s chest.

Dube reacted instantly, rolling his wrists for a controlled pull shot toward deep square leg.

Six runs!

RCB’s fielders adjusted quickly, cutting off further aerial space.

Commentary:"CSK shifts gears! They know 190+ will make things difficult for RCB’s chase!"

Over 17 – RCB’s Response to CSK’s Surge

Hazlewood stepped in, adjusting his bowling grip—RCB needed to stall CSK’s rising pace attack.

First ball—sharp yorker, angling inward.

Dube reached for it, mistimed his shot!

Caught at long-on! OUT!

Commentary:"THAT IS HUGE! Shivam Dube’s acceleration was critical, but RCB has stopped him early!"

CSK – 142 for 3 (16.4 overs)

Dube OUT for 37 (21)

The crowd erupted as RCB forced another breakthrough, slowing CSK before their final explosive phase.

Dhoni walked to the crease, greeted by deafening cheers. He tapped his gloves together, scanning the field placements.

RCB had positioned their boundary fielders perfectly, ensuring Dhoni wouldn’t find quick sixes immediately.

First ball—back-of-length, angling toward Dhoni’s body.

Dhoni reacted instantly—flick shot through mid-wicket.

Three runs taken!

Commentary:"Dhoni isn’t rushing—he’s assessing every delivery before attacking!"

Siraj returned for a final spell, knowing Dhoni was timing his acceleration phase perfectly.

First ball—off-cutter, deceptive pace.

Dhoni watched carefully, then stepped forward—LOFTED STRAIGHT DOWN THE GROUND!

Six runs!

Commentary:"CLASSIC DHONI! He knows exactly when to go big!"

Next ball—sharp yorker, blocking Dhoni’s shot range.

Dhoni adjusted, tapping it for a quick single.

RCB had prevented consecutive sixes, ensuring damage control.

Hazlewood prepared for the final set of deliveries, knowing CSK was hunting the last surge.

First ball—wide yorker, angled toward off.

Dhoni reached for it, mistimed the connection.

Dot ball!

Commentary:"RCB is locking CSK out! Every dot ball is gold here!"

Next ball—full-toss, misjudged by the bowler.

Dhoni swings hard—SLAMS IT OVER MID-WICKET!

Six runs!

Commentary:"Dhoni punishes the mistake! RCB wanted a perfect over, but that loose ball cost them!"

Next delivery—tight length, forcing Dhoni to rotate strike instead of attacking again.

CSK finished their innings just under 190.

End of CSK’s Innings – Final Score

CSK – 187 for 4 (20 overs)

Dhoni – 32(16), last-over acceleration!*

Conway – 79(55), anchoring the innings!

Dube – 37(21), mid-innings acceleration!

RCB needs 188 to WIN!

Commentary:"CSK has set a challenging total! Now, can RCB’s batting structure execute the chase properly?"

The tension inside the stadium was at an all-time high. CSK had set a target of 188 runs, a total that was neither impossible nor easily achievable—it sat in the perfect zone where execution had to be flawless.

RCB had spent the season mastering their chase strategies, but this was different. This wasn’t a routine league match—this was Qualifier 1, where mistakes would be amplified, where every run would carry the weight of playoff pressure, where every decision would shape their destiny.

Raj adjusted his gloves, tightening his grip. Kohli was already at the crease, shadow-practicing his strokes, scanning the field placements. CSK had set up their bowling unit strategically, planning to cut off scoring angles, force hesitation, and increase pressure through spin rotations.

"They know how to defend scores under pressure. We know how to chase them down."

The crowd roared as Kohli and Duplesi took their positions. The chase was officially underway.

RCB couldn’t afford reckless aggression. CSK’s bowling was built on structured defense

, meaning Bangalore had to focus on:

Steady opening partnerships – CSK relied on early wickets to control run flow. If Kohli and Duplesi survived the first phase, RCB would gain complete control over the chase.

Targeting gaps instead of boundary bursts – CSK’s field placements made boundary hitting difficult, but allowed opportunities for quick singles and twos. RCB needed to maximize gap hitting.

Timely acceleration rather than rushed aggression – CSK wanted Bangalore to force shots under pressure. RCB had to ensure smooth transitions between scoring phases instead of reckless hitting.

Kohli took his mark. The first ball was about to be delivered.

CSK’s lead pacer sprinted in, delivering a sharp length ball outside off-stump.

Kohli reacted instantly, stepping forward and guiding it toward deep point.

Single taken.

Next ball—short, angling toward Duplesi’s ribs.

Duplesi adjusted his stance and rolled his wrists for a controlled pull toward square leg.

Four runs!

Commentary:"That is CLASS from Duplesi! He’s not forcing the shot—he’s guiding it beautifully into the gap!"

CSK’s fielders adjusted instantly, tightening their off-side zone to limit free strokes.

CSK recognized RCB’s intent to stabilize, so they modified their bowling approach:

Compressing the off-side field to limit Kohli’s driving angles.

Two deep fielders in place for Duplesi’s aerial flick shots.

Bowler rotations every two overs to prevent RCB from settling into rhythm.

But RCB wasn’t forcing anything—Kohli and Duplesi kept their approach measured, ensuring CSK never dictated the tempo.

Commentary:"This is a masterclass in controlled chasing. RCB isn’t rushing the big shots—they’re waiting for the right moment!"

Powerplay Summary (Overs 1-6)

RCB – 54 for no loss

Virat Kohli – 27(17), 3 fours*

Faf Duplesi – 24(19), 2 fours*

RCB in complete control, but CSK’s spin attack is coming next!

Raj watched carefully from the dugout.

"The foundation is there. Now, we build on it."

The powerplay had concluded, and RCB stood at 54 for no loss after six overs, navigating CSK’s pace attack with precision. But now, as the field spread and CSK prepared their spin-heavy middle overs, the match entered a phase where Bangalore needed to adapt quickly.

Raj observed from the dugout, studying CSK’s adjustments. He had anticipated their response—their spinners would gradually tighten angles, cutting off easy boundaries and forcing Bangalore’s batters into controlled placement rather than free-flowing strokes.

"They won’t attack outright—they’ll trap us with controlled pressure. We need to break it before it builds."

Virat Kohli tapped his bat against the crease, scanning the field placements. He knew that this was the moment where RCB had to ensure their run flow didn’t stagnate.

The players adjusted their positions, and CSK’s lead spinner prepared to bowl the seventh over.

CSK had built their bowling attack around using spin between overs 7-15, relying on tactical variations rather than outright pace aggression. Their approach included:

Early spin introduction before Bangalore adjusts – CSK wouldn’t wait until over 10; they would bring spin immediately after the powerplay, ensuring RCB didn’t settle against pace.

Defensive field compression to force singles instead of boundaries – CSK had positioned their fielders to deny free runs, ensuring Bangalore had to work for every scoring opportunity.

Switching between slow flighted deliveries and quicker arm balls – RCB’s batters wouldn’t get predictable spin—they would face a mix of variations, ensuring they had to read every ball carefully before executing a stroke.

Raj signaled to Kohli and Duplesi. The key to breaking CSK’s control was maintaining strike rotation rather than attempting forced boundary strokes.

CSK’s spinner fired in the first ball—flatter trajectory, drifting toward off-stump.

Kohli tracked it carefully, stepped forward, and tapped it into the gap between point and cover.

Single taken.

Next ball—sharper turn, forcing Duplesi onto the back foot.

Duplesi adjusted quickly, rolling his wrists to guide the ball toward deep mid-wicket.

Two runs.

CSK’s containment plan was active, but RCB wasn’t allowing them to dictate movement.

Commentary:"CSK’s spinners are tightening control, but Kohli and Duplesi are finding gaps without forcing high-risk shots!"

By the 10th over, CSK’s bowlers had executed their containment plan effectively, but RCB had maintained stability, ensuring their scoring rate didn’t dip too low. Their approach included:

Avoiding aerial strokes against spin – CSK’s spinners were baiting attacking shots, but Bangalore was keeping their game grounded.

Targeting gaps between fielders – Instead of forcing boundaries, RCB was finding spaces for calculated runs.

Slow acceleration without forced risks – CSK hadn’t broken their momentum, meaning Bangalore’s batters remained in control.

Raj watched from the boundary. The game was progressing exactly as planned.

"Now, we prepare for acceleration."

CSK knew they needed a wicket before RCB officially launched their scoring phase, so they brought back their pace attack for sudden disruption.

The first ball of over 13 arrived—full-length, swinging inward.

Duplesi attempted to flick it toward mid-wicket but mistimed the shot.

Caught. OUT!

CSK had their breakthrough, but Raj was already walking toward the crease, ready to take control.

Commentary:"BIG MOMENT! CSK breaks Bangalore’s foundation—but here comes Raj, the chase master!"

RCB – 112 for 1 (13 overs)

Faf Duplesi OUT for 48 (34)

Virat Kohli – 55(39), anchoring the innings*

Raj walking in at No.3

RCB’s chase was entering its most critical moment.

Score Update – RCB’s Position Before Acceleration

RCB – 112 for 1 (13 overs)

Virat Kohli – 55(39), ensuring stability*

Raj – Yet to face a ball, preparing for calculated stroke play

Raj tightened his gloves.

"Now, we take full control of this chase."