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Spin Choke at Chinnaswamy: RCB’s Stunning Turnaround
In a season where chasing 200+ at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has felt like a cakewalk, Royal Challengers Bengaluru flipped the script. RCB defended 205 against Rajasthan Royals, not with sheer pace, but through a rare and clinical spin choke. This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement.
A Shaky Start
Rajasthan Royals began their chase with fireworks. By the end of 8 overs, they were cruising at 99/2. The required run rate had dropped to 8.33, and the match seemed to be slipping from RCB’s grasp.
During the strategic timeout, while the main RCB think-tank regrouped, two spinners—Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma—quietly discussed their plan. What followed next was a masterclass in spin bowling under pressure.
Spinners Step Up at a Pacer’s Paradise
Traditionally, spinners suffer at Chinnaswamy. But Krunal and Suyash had other plans. Starting from the 10th over, they dried up boundaries, built pressure, and induced errors.
Krunal dismissed RR captain Riyan Parag right after a brief delay caused by a technical review. That moment broke RR’s momentum and shifted the crowd’s energy back in RCB’s favor.
Between overs 10 to 16, the spin duo conceded only 50 runs with just four boundaries. Both finished with identical figures of 4-0-31, with Krunal bagging two wickets.
Suyash’s Discipline, Krunal’s Experience
Suyash Sharma bowled to his field intelligently—slower through the air, with men placed smartly for the cut shot. Even when he dropped one short, he didn’t lose control of the game.
Krunal relied on variations and smart angles. No magic balls—just veteran instincts and tight lines. Together, they turned a high-scoring ground into a spin trap.
Royals Lose the Plot
RR’s middle order, despite being talented, couldn’t shift gears. Jurel tried to bat deep, while Nitish Rana struggled against his unfavorable matchups—left-arm spin and leg spin.
With each dot ball and scuffed single, the asking rate climbed from under 9 to over 12. And as the required rate ballooned, the pressure exploded.
Hazlewood Ices the Game
Even after the spinners’ heroics, the game was still alive with 18 needed off 12 balls. But Josh Hazlewood returned with ice in his veins, conceding just one run in the 19th and picking two wickets, including Jurel.
His performance sealed an 11-run win for RCB and brought the Chinnaswamy crowd to life.
A Season of New Belief
RCB, known for their explosive batting, are now building wins with grit and cleverness. They’ve already won five away games, but this home win felt different.
Defending a 200+ total at Chinnaswamy with spin? That’s a bold new chapter in their 2025 journey.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a match—it was a moment. A spin choke in Bengaluru is unheard of, yet Krunal and Suyash made it happen. If RCB are to reach the playoffs, this night might be remembered as the turning point.
- RCB’s Journey in IPL 2025
- Josh Hazlewood’s Best IPL Spells
- Top Spin Performances in IPL 2025
- Chinnaswamy Stadium IPL 2025 Stats
- Rajasthan Royals IPL 2025 Match Reviews
