CSK vs RCB LIVE Score : RCB Cross 100-Run Mark as Kohli Stabilises Side After 2 Wickets

MS Dhoni showcased his lightning-fast reflexes once again, executing a swift stumping to dismiss Phil Salt, who was looking in fine form after Royal Challengers Bengaluru were put in to bat by Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on Friday. Similar to Suryakumar Yadav’s fate in the season opener in Chennai, Salt fell victim to Dhoni’s sharp glovework. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli struggled to find his rhythm as RCB managed to reach 56/1 by the end of the powerplay.

Initial Overs: A Fierce Start
Phil Salt showcased his aggressive intent right from the first over bowled by Khaleel Ahmed. Although he missed the initial deliveries, Salt soon found his rhythm and blasted a series of boundaries:

Over 0.4: Salt hit a streaky boundary, setting the momentum.
Over 0.5: He followed it up with a forceful shot for four, beating the deep third to his left.
Over 0.6: A firm pull shot to the right of square leg earned him another single.
Over 1.1: A six over deep backward square leg off Ashwin's carrom ball brought the crowd to its feet.

The scoreboard quickly reflected the growing confidence of the batsmen as they amassed 25 runs by the end of the second over.

Virat Kohli Struggles for Timing
The early stages saw Virat Kohli struggling to adjust to the bowlers' variation in pace and length. Despite his attempts, he struggled to find the perfect timing. The commentator notes reveal his frustrations, but Kohli kept the runs ticking with singles and leg byes.

Over 3.3: Kohli backed away early but missed a swipe across the line, receiving a painful hit on the pads.
Over 4.1: Kohli pressed back for a pull but mistimed it, resulting in just a single.

Despite his struggle for timing, Kohli managed to keep his wicket, giving himself the opportunity to settle and make amends as the innings progressed.

Phil Salt’s Explosive Departure
Phil Salt, on the other hand, looked in sublime touch but his efforts were cut short by a brilliant piece of stumping by MS Dhoni:

Over 4.6: Salt was stumped by Dhoni’s lightning-quick hands, leaving Salt at 32 runs off 16 balls with the score at 45/1.

Salt's quick effort ensured Bengaluru had a strong foundation, and his departure brought in Devdutt Padikkal to join Kohli at the crease.

Middle Overs: Crucial Consolidation and Aggression
Devdutt Padikkal continued the aggressive play initiated by Salt and quickly adapted to the situation, finding boundaries with finesse:

Over 5.5: Padikkal smacked a fuller delivery for a 72-meter six over deep square leg.
Over 6.4: A sweeping shot for four behind square on the leg side showed his class.
Over 6.5: Another six over the long-on boundary off Jadeja further solidified his intent.

The powerplay ended with Bengaluru at a formidable 56/1. Padikkal’s explosive innings ensured that the run rate stayed healthy, putting significant pressure on the bowlers.
Tactical Shift: Strategic Time-Out and Partnerships

When the strategic time-out came at 9.0 overs, Bengaluru were sailing at 83/2, having lost Padikkal’s wicket to a stunning catch with the score at 76/2. At this juncture, Rajat Patidar joined Kohli, signaling a phase of consolidation:

Over 7.5: Padikkal got dismissed, caught brilliantly at cover by Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Over 8.5: A wide and a quick single by Kohli showed strategic accumulation of runs.

Patidar steadily built his innings, while Kohli continued to rotate the strike and find occasional boundaries, ensuring that the run rate did not dip considerably.

Closing Moments: Firing on All Cylinders
Rajat Patidar seized the opportunity to accelerate once the foundation was solidified:

Over 9.1: Patidar attempted an aerial shot that fell just short at deep cover, keeping nerves intact with a single.
Over 9.6: Patidar smashed a definitive six, ending the over at 93/2, igniting hopes of a gigantic score with Kohli still standing strong.

As the match progresses, all eyes are on the duo to capitalize on the groundwork and propel the team to an imposing total. The bustling crowd and the high-octane atmosphere promise an enthralling remainder of the innings.

The strategic plays, commendable partnerships, and moments of individual brilliance have set the tone for what could be a high-scoring, edge-of-the-seat encounter. The drama of the initial innings has already promised a spectacle that the fans are sure to remember.