By Swapneel Deshpande 04 May 2025, 11:05 IST
In a high-stakes IPL 2025 clash at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru held their nerve to defeat Chennai Super Kings by two runs in a match full of twists and late drama. The result pushed RCB to the top of the table with 16 points and handed CSK another heartbreak in a season full of near-misses.
The turning point of the match came in the 17th over during CSK’s chase. Lungi Ngidi bowled a fiery spell, removing Ayush Mhatre for a well-compiled 94 and trapping Dewald Brevis LBW on the very next delivery. Brevis attempted to review the decision, but the on-field umpire ruled that he had missed the 15-second deadline to opt for DRS.
Both Brevis and Ravindra Jadeja had started running after the ball deflected off the pad and raced to the boundary. Their attention momentarily shifted from the appeal, and the delay cost Brevis his wicket and CSK five valuable runs. Post-match footage confirmed that Brevis took over 20 seconds to signal for the review.
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming addressed the issue in his press conference. “That moment shifted the momentum,” he said. “Brevis and Jaddu saw the ball head to the fence and focused on running. In that, they lost track of the time available for DRS.”
Fleming also explained the larger implication. “Because the umpire gave him out, the ball was declared dead. We lost a chance at five runs—even if the review had overturned the decision, the runs wouldn’t have counted. That could’ve made a huge difference.”
Despite the chaos, CSK fought hard. MS Dhoni, Jadeja, and Shivam Dube kept the chase alive until the final over. With 15 needed off six balls, Yash Dayal bowled with composure and ensured RCB crossed the line.
This thriller showcased RCB’s resilience and exposed CSK’s growing frustration in close games. While RCB march toward the playoffs, CSK must now look inward and focus on finishing the season with pride. The Brevis DRS saga will likely remain a talking point as teams reassess how they handle time-bound decisions under pressure.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram
Recommended to you