HIGHLIGHTS Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings IPL 2026 Match 11 - Result, Scorecard

Welcome back. RCB are in a huddle near the ropes with Virat Kohli doing all the talking. Out walk the two CSK openers, Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Jacob Duffy will start with the new ball for the home side. A slip in place. Let's go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

A climb too steep for CSK? Chennai Super Kings have been under the pump in terms of their bowling right from the start of this season, but they did start decently in this game. Khaleel Ahmed bowled 3 overs for 18 runs as Anshul Kamboj also started well, picking up the wicket of Kohli. However, they couldn't pile on the pressure in the middle overs, and the lack of a second spinner hurt them a bit as well. Throughout the second half of the innings, the game seemed to be getting away from CSK, and they looked helpless, but conceding 97 runs in the last 5 overs is something that can really dent the hopes of a team. Right then, 251 is what the Chennai Super Kings need to get their first win of the season, and for that to happen, they will need to pull off the second-highest run chase ever in the history of this competition. CSK have struggled chasing any score of over 200 runs since 2018, but with the way the game is played nowadays, you never know, and they will need to believe that this can be chased down. On the other hand, RCB will be aware that early wickets will get the job half done for them and will be looking for that. Stay tuned as the exciting run chase is up next.

Padikkal breaks down the first innings - Devdutt Padikkal says at the time-out, the message was to keep going. He adds, with a smile, that he was probably glad to get out, given the incredible entertainment that followed from David. He notes that it was a bit tacky early on, with the ball not coming on as well with the new ball, and the focus was on not losing too many early wickets. Knowing the nature of the ground, he says they were confident of maximising later in the innings. Padikkal also points out that it is very hard to set a target here, and once a side gains momentum, it is important to keep pushing. Reflecting on his own journey, Devdutt says that coming into last year, he wanted to ensure he believed in himself. He feels it is a really good score and hopes it will be enough to secure the win.

It's not about the start, but the finish - Royal Challengers Bengaluru started sluggishly as their openers looked to hit everything out of the park and just couldn't get going. Virat Kohli got out early, after which Phil Salt started to get into his groove, but he missed out on a half-century. At the other end, Devdutt Padikkal started off slowly but came into his own along with Rajat Patidar, who continued his form of boundary-hitting. The score read 151/3 when Padikkal got out at 14.1 overs. In the next 35 legal deliveries, RCB scored 99 runs, largely thanks to a real muscle-flex from Tim David as he hit an unbeaten 70 off just 25 balls.

Are you not entertained? The reigning champions have put on a champion show with the bat and have reached 250 with absolute madness in the last 5 overs. 97 runs in the last 5 overs and as many as 19 sixes hit in total as RCB put the CSK bowlers to the sword. Chennai Super Kings will feel that they just let it get away a bit too much, and once you start conceding boundaries in a heap, this particular ground can start looking very small, and you feel that any error in execution could result in a boundary.

Anshul Kamboj to Tim David, FOUR! The 250 is up for RCB! A catching opportunity missed, and to make matters worse for CSK, it has gone for a boundary. Full and angled into the pads. David picks it up aerially towards deep mid-wicket. Sarfaraz Khan commits to the catch but realises that he cannot get there. He slams the brakes but loses the ball in the lights and cannot get his body behind the ball. Khan stays side on and looks to make the stop as the ball bounces in front of him but it ends up going past him for a four.

Anshul Kamboj to Rajat Patidar, Wide yorker nailed by Anshul Kamboj. Rajat Patidar squeezes it out past cover for another single. A four on the last ball will take RCB to 250.

Anshul Kamboj to Tim David, Near the tramline, David drills it to deep cover for one.

Anshul Kamboj to Rajat Patidar, Full and on off, this is driven through the covers for a single.

Anshul Kamboj to Rajat Patidar, There to be put away! Full toss, on middle. Rajat Patidar swings too hard and loses his shape in the process. Bunts it down the bowler.

Anshul Kamboj to Rajat Patidar, SIX! The sixes keep coming. Full and wide, near the tramline. Rajat Patidar is made to reach out and he makes contact with the ball, slicing it over deep point for a six.

Final over coming up and there will also be a change of ball as the previous one has just been launched into the car park by Tim David. 250 in touching distance for RCB. Can Anshul Kamboj somehow find a way to stop the carnage? Let's find out...

Jamie Overton to Tim David, SIX! Watch out, those in the Cubbon Park, this is coming towards you. 30 RUNS OFF THE OVER! Jamie Overton bashes the surface, over middle. This sits up to be hit and David muscles it with all his might over square leg. He parks it onto the roof.

Jamie Overton to Tim David, SIX! Two in two, but this is even bigger! RCB move to 231, their highest total against CSK, according to Ravi Shastri. Yorker gone wrong once again for Overton. Full and on middle. Tim tonks it cleanly well over the sight screen for half a dozen.

Jamie Overton to Tim David, SIX! Tim David brings up his FIFTY in grand style. His 2nd IPL half-century and it comes in 21 balls. David also blows a kiss to someone in the dugout. Overton gets the yorker wrong and serves it right in the slot, on middle. Tim gets under the ball and pumps it over mid on for a biggie.

Jamie Overton to Tim David, FOUR! Extra pace can really work against a bowler at such times. Not a bad delivery, but Overton still pays the price. Banged in short and angled across off, David is rushed as he looks to pull and the ball brushes the top edge, before flying high and wide to the right of the keeper, and into the deep third fence.

Jamie Overton to Tim David, Jamie goes full and angles it across off, David goes after it and looks to drag it over deep mid-wicket but gets an inside edge past the stumps and down to fine leg for a couple of runs.

Jamie Overton to Tim David, SIX! Powered away with ease. A leg stump half-volley from Overton to begin the over. Tim David gets low and smokes it beyond the backward square leg fence for his fifth biggie of the game and moves into the 40s.

Two overs to go. How many will RCB get from here? Jamie Overton will bowl the 19th over.

Anshul Kamboj to Tim David, Low full toss, on off. David carves it to deep cover for a single.

Anshul Kamboj to Tim David, SIX! Tim David makes the Free Hit count. Anshul Kamboj misses the yorker. Low full toss, outside off. David swings through the line and pummels it over long on for half a dozen. That will only add salt to the wounds for Kamboj and CSK.

Anshul Kamboj to Tim David, TIMBER! Outfoxed and Tim David acknowledges that with a fist bump with the bowler. Oh, hang on, the no ball is being checked. Would you believe it? Anshul Kamboj has overstepped. David stays on. A massive moment in the game. Kamboj spots David making a slight move towards the off side and he nails the yorker, right at the base of the leg stump. David swings but misses and the ball crashes into the leg stump. It all goes in vain for Anshul. Free Hit coming up.

Anshul Kamboj to Tim David, A big swing and a miss! Kamboj flirts with the tramline. This lands near the popping crease and Tim swings to go big on the off side but only connects with thin air. David feels that it should be called a wide. He has a word with Patidar and takes the review. The replays show that Tim was standing on the off stump, but the ball was within the tramline. RCB lose a review.

Anshul Kamboj to Tim David, Very full, outside off. David gets low, takes the ball on the full and cracks the drive to the left of long off for a couple of runs.

Anshul Kamboj to Tim David, Missed out! Kamboj dishes it out right in the slot, on middle and leg. David gets the front leg out of the way and has a hoick across the line. Ekes out an inside edge onto the pads and Tim admonishes himself for missing out.

Anshul Kamboj to Tim David, FOUR! Hit hard and wide enough! Anshul Kamboj steams in from around the wicket and bowls the wide line with the field set accordingly. It ends up being a low full toss, David uses his long reach and smacks it along the ground to the right of the man at deep point for a four.

Anshul Kamboj (2-0-25-1) is back on.

Noor Ahmad to Tim David, Continues to be short, on off. This is slapped to deep cover for a single. 21 runs off Noor's final over.

Noor Ahmad to Tim David, SIX! Make that a hat-trick of sixes. Tim David is rampant. Change of angle from Noor but no change in result. Ahmad switches to around the wicket and keeps the length short and pushes it through, outside the off stump. David presses deep in the crease and plays it on the rise. Lofts it over cover off the back foot for the third six in a row.

Ominous signs for CSK and Noor Ahmad right now. Can Noor make a comeback or will David continue to overpower him?

Noor Ahmad to Tim David, SIX MORE! Another half-tracker, and the line this time is around middle. David needs no second invitation. He stays back and mows it with power over mid-wicket for six more. Noor under immense pressure.

Noor Ahmad to Tim David, SIX! Belted! Too short, asking to be hit and David gets the width to free his arms. Tim waits on the back foot and slaps it over long off for a biggie.

Noor Ahmad to Rajat Patidar, Oh, that was not far from hitting the stumps! Flat and short, on off. Rajat Patidar switches his stance for the reverse but misses. The ball sneaks past the off stump and deflects off the keeper's pads to short fine leg. The batters cross for a bye. A wayward throw at the bowling end but it is backed up and the batters settle with one.

Khaleel Ahmed is substituted by Kartik Sharma

Noor Ahmad to Tim David, Tossed up, on off, driven to cover for a single.

Noor Ahmad is back to finish his spell. Also, CSK have used their Impact Sub, bringing in Kartik Sharma for Khaleel Ahmed.

Khaleel Ahmed to Rajat Patidar, SIX! Clean strike! Khaleel takes pace off and this sits up to be hit, on middle and leg. It comes at thigh height and Patidar stands tall to dispatch the pull over square leg for a six. 19 runs off the over!

Khaleel Ahmed to Rajat Patidar, FOUR! Not exactly where Patidar intended but he will take it. On a good length, leaving the right-hander with the angle. Patidar throws the kitchen sink at it and the ball slices off the outer half over backward point for a boundary.

Khaleel Ahmed to Rajat Patidar, Half a shout for LBW! Turned down by the umpire. Khaleel Ahmed is convinced, and he coaxes Ruturaj Gaikwad to take the review. The ball did go towards the keeper with a deflection. Low full toss, across off. Patidar hangs deep in the crease and has a swipe across the line. The ball dips under the blade and brushes the back leg on its way to the keeper. However, the UltraEdge comes up with a spike, confirming that the ball brushed the toe end of the bat.

Khaleel Ahmed to Rajat Patidar, SIX! Quality shot! Khaleel attempts the wide yorker but it ends up being a low full toss and the line is not wide enough. Patidar hangs low, takes the ball on the full and goes inside out over cover for a biggie.

Khaleel Ahmed to Rajat Patidar, Wide! Khaleel rolls his fingers over the ball and digs it in short. Rajat rises with the bounce and gets his hands high to flay it away, but misses. Patidar has a look at the square leg umpire, but he does not get the signal he is looking for. After a chat with David at the other end, the RCB skipper challenges the wide call. The ball turns out to be 0.06 metres above head height. As they say, game of fine margins. The on-field decision has been changed to wide.

Khaleel Ahmed to Tim David, Khaleel bashes the hard length and over off. Tim is deep in the crease and swings across for the pull. He is rushed but manages to get it away in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Khaleel Ahmed to Rajat Patidar, Into the strip, on middle. Patidar moves away from the stumps and with a high elbow, he punches it to deep cover for a single.

Jamie Overton to Rajat Patidar, Oh, doesn't rise much this one. Back of a length, around off and angling in. Rajat Patidar looks to swivel and pull but the ball skids on and beats the inside edge, hitting the thigh pad. The ball rolls towards short third for a leg bye.

Jamie Overton to Tim David, Shorter this time, outside off, slashed away to deep point for a single by David.

Jamie Overton to Tim David, Fuller in length, at the stumps, David plays it back to the bowler.

Jamie Overton to Tim David, That's good pace from Overton, around 148 clicks. Back of a length and in the channel outside off, Tim David has a poke at it but the ball zips past the blade.

Jamie Overton to Tim David, Full and on middle, defended solidly off the front foot by David.

How often have we seen this? A wicket straight away after the break. Tim David is in at number 5. The platform is set for him to go big.

Jamie Overton to Devdutt Padikkal, OUT! TIMBER! Too cute from DDP and he pays the highest price for it. Jamie Overton bowls it full and fast, attacking the stumps. Devdutt Padikkal is quick to walk across the off stump and he shows too much of the stumps to the bowler. Padikkal even falls over as he attempts the lap shot and the ball goes on to knock over the leg stump out of the ground. End of a fine knock. The 21-ball 58-run stand comes to an end.

STRATEGIC BREAK! CSK will welcome this break in play. After dismissing Phil Salt, they would have hoped to keep the scoring in check, but the runs have since haemorrhaged at an alarming rate. Rajat Patidar has been quick to get off the blocks, while Devdutt Padikkal has also upped the ante and how. It does seem that shot-making has become easier as the ball has lost its hardness, but can the Super Kings come up with the goods at the death? Let's find out. Jamie Overton is back into the attack.

Matt Henry to Devdutt Padikkal, Back-to-back FIFTIES to start the season for Devdutt Padikkal. Banged in short and just outside off, rushing the batter. Padikkal shanks the pull shot down to long on and picks up a single to end the over, 14 off it.

Matt Henry to Devdutt Padikkal, FOUR! Too much width on offer. Short and wide outside off, Padikkal reaches for it and swats it up and over the cover region for yet another boundary. 150 UP FOR RCB.

Matt Henry to Devdutt Padikkal, Banged in quick and short over middle, but a bit too high for the umpire's liking as DDP ducks under it. Actually, it is reviewed by CSK. The third umpire checks the replays, and we can see that the ball is just a hair under DDP's head height, so no wide.

Matt Henry to Devdutt Padikkal, PUT DOWN! A very difficult chance, but a chance nonetheless. Henry serves this on a good length but bowls it wide of the off stump. Devdutt Padikkal goes after it and slaps it flat past cover. Ruturaj Gaikwad, inside the circle, puts in a horizontal dive to his right but the ball hits his wrist and rolls away behind for a couple of runs.

Matt Henry to Rajat Patidar, Short ball, right at the batter, pulled away to the right of deep mid-wicket for a single.

Matt Henry to Rajat Patidar, SIX! Wow, that's some shot and the 50-run stand comes up between these two, off just 15 balls. Pitched up on a fuller length around off, Rajat Patidar simply lifts it with minimal power and times it perfectly back over the bowler's head for a biggie.

This has been some acceleration from RCB. The partnership has raced to 44 off just 14 deliveries. Rajat Patidar turns to Matt Henry in search of a breakthrough. The Kiwi quick has gone for 22 runs in his 2 overs so far.

Shivam Dube to Devdutt Padikkal, FOUR! Drilled back past the bowler and 23 runs come off that over. Full and straight, nearly in the blockhole but Padikkal manages to clear the front leg and pummel it along the turf and dead straight for another boundary.

Shivam Dube to Devdutt Padikkal, FOUR! Excellent placement from DDP! Slower ball, fractionally short and wide outside off. Padikkal waits well before crunching the cut shot wide of point and the ball runs away to the fence.

Shivam Dube to Devdutt Padikkal, SIX! It's raining sixes now at the Chinnaswamy. Padikkal is early to shimmy down the pitch and Dube sees him coming as well. Dube tries to outfox the batter by going full and wide but Padikkal does brilliantly to reach out and use those long levers to power it over extra cover for a biggie.

Shivam Dube to Rajat Patidar, Back of a length, on middle, tucked away through mid-wicket for one.

Shivam Dube to Rajat Patidar, SIX! Oh, just over the ropes. A surprise short ball from Dube, well-directed and Rajat Patidar gets rushed. However, he manages to hook it away towards deep backward square leg, where Noor Ahmad puts in a valiant effort, leaping high to his right and even gets a finger on it, but the ball and Noor, both go over the ropes.

Shivam Dube to Devdutt Padikkal, Good length again, in the channel, punched off the middle of the bat towards deep cover but for just a single.

Shivam Dube to Devdutt Padikkal, WIDE! Pace off, on a length and darting well across the left-hander. Padikkal leaves it alone and a wide is called.

Noor Ahmad to Devdutt Padikkal, On the shorter side and wide outside off, this is cut away through backward point for one more. 16 off the over.

Noor Ahmad to Rajat Patidar, Short of a length, on off, punched through mid off for a single.

Noor Ahmad to Devdutt Padikkal, Better length again from Ahmad. Bowled flatter and darted into the pads. Padikkal plays all over it and gets it off the pads to short third for a leg bye.

Noor Ahmad to Devdutt Padikkal, SIX! Wow, that's gone many a mile. Tossed up on middle, not all that full but Padikkal dances down the track, gets it on the full and launches it over long on for a colossal six.

Noor Ahmad to Rajat Patidar, Noor immediately drags the length back, bowling it around off. Rajat eases it through covers for one.

Noor Ahmad to Rajat Patidar, SIX! Magnificent strokeplay from Rajat Patidar. Tossed up, wide outside off, Patidar gets down on one knee, opens up the off side and lofts it over the sweeper cover fielder for a six. 100 up for RCB now.

Shivam Dube to Devdutt Padikkal, FOUR! That's a freebie from Dube. Too short and too wide, Devdutt Padikkal presses up on his toes and uppercuts it down to the vacant deep third fence for a boundary.

Shivam Dube to Rajat Patidar, Back of a length and around off, punched off the back foot and down to long on for a single.

The 56-run stand has been broken. Phil Salt absolutely berates himself on his way back. He knows the importance of a set batter on this tricky wicket, where the ball is holding in the surface. RCB's skipper, Rajat Patidar makes his way out to the centre.

Shivam Dube to Phil Salt, OUT! CAUGHT! Shivam Dube strikes gold in his first over, and Phil Salt is livid with his dismissal. Bowled at just 116 kph, Dube digs this one in short again and outside off. Salt comes forward and looks to drag the pull in front of square leg, but rolls his wrists over the ball and gets a top edge. The ball flies down to the left of Noor Ahmad at deep square leg, and he slides across to reverse cup it nicely. Salt falls 4 runs short of his fifty and RCB are now 2 down for 93.

Shivam Dube to Devdutt Padikkal, Back of a length, angling across off, cut away without much timing and into the turf towards cover-point for one more.

Shivam Dube to Phil Salt, Oh, that should have been put away. Gentle-pace delivery, full and down leg, Salt gets inside the line and only gets a bottom edge down to short fine leg for a single.

Shivam Dube to Phil Salt, Dube starts his spell with a short ball, digging it into the pitch and wide of the off stump. Salt ends up jamming it down to extra cover.

Noor Ahmad to Devdutt Padikkal, Yes, he does finish decently. Noor floats it up, slightly too straight, on the pads. Devdutt plays the sweep fine of the man at short fine leg. Anshul Kamboj gives it a chase and hauls it in. A couple of runs for Padikkal. 4 runs off the over, good comeback by Noor after going for 10 runs in his opening over.

Noor Ahmad to Phil Salt, Noor keeps it on the shorter side and bowls it with a flatter trajectory, on middle and leg. Phil wrists it off the back foot in front of square on the leg side for a run. Just 2 runs off the over so far. Can Ahmad finish well?

Noor Ahmad to Devdutt Padikkal, Sliding in at the hips, Padikkal clips it through square leg and gets to the other end.

Noor Ahmad to Devdutt Padikkal, A flash and a miss! Pushed through, on the shorter side, outside off. Padikkal makes room and goes hard on the cut but misses.

Noor Ahmad to Devdutt Padikkal, On a good length, a hint of turn, around off. The ball holds in the surface and DDP checks his push to cover.

Noor Ahmad to Devdutt Padikkal, A bit of a mix-up but no harm done! Tossed up, full and on middle. Devdutt Padikkal makes room to go through the off side. He taps it in front of cover and wants to sneak in a quick single but is sent back by his partner.

Jamie Overton to Devdutt Padikkal, Full and outside off. Devdutt carves it away off the outer half behind point for a run. The 50-run stand is also up between these two.

Jamie Overton to Devdutt Padikkal, FOUR! Smart batting! At the sticks by Overton, on a good length, an off-cutter. Padikkal hangs deep in the crease and walks inside the line of the ball. He knows that fine leg is inside the circle and he picks it up over that man for a boundary.

Jamie Overton to Devdutt Padikkal, Across off, on a good length. Devdutt Padikkal holds his shape and swings through the line to play the lofted drive. He does not quite get the timing right but manages to clear extra cover. The ball slows down in the outfield and DDP picks up a brace.

Jamie Overton to Phil Salt, Width offered, on a short of a length. Phil reaches out and slaps it to deep cover. They cross.

Jamie Overton to Phil Salt, Overton pitches it up, outside off. Phil walks across to get closer to the line and drives it along the ground between cover and mid off. Ayush Mhatre dives to his left at mid off but cannot make a clean stop. The ball goes behind off his hands and Salt comes back for the second run.

Jamie Overton to Devdutt Padikkal, Overton bashes the hard length, on middle. Padikkal hops back and lifts the front leg to pull it behind square leg for a single.

Strategic Break! A high-octane start at the Chinnaswamy, with plenty of boundaries and a few chances for the bowlers as well. After a sluggish start, Phil Salt and RCB have started to find their rhythm. Virat Kohli got an early life but failed to make the most of it and the CSK pacers have bowled relatively well so far without being all that lucky. RCB do have an in-form batting lineup and with Salt now well set, they will look to keep racking up the runs at a brisk pace in the middle overs as well. Let's see if CSK's spinners and change bowlers can do some damage or not in the upcoming phase. With that said, Jamie Overton is into the attack now.

Noor Ahmad to Devdutt Padikkal, Googly from Noor, on a good length, turning into the pads. Padikkal works it with the spin off the back foot to deep square leg for a run. Ahmad goes for 10 runs in his first over.

Noor Ahmad to Phil Salt, Noor drags his length back and keeps it outside off. This is cut away to deep point for one more.

Noor Ahmad to Phil Salt, SIX! All the way! Even quicker from Noor and he goes full this time. Salt gets down on a knee and fetches it from outside the off stump before playing the slog sweep over mid-wicket. Phil does not get it from the middle of the blade but enough to clear the ropes.

Noor Ahmad to Devdutt Padikkal, Bowled at 98.7 kph, on a nagging length, on off and middle. DDP hangs back and pushes it to long on for a single.

Noor Ahmad to Phil Salt, Flatter and shorter, sliding across off. Salt chops it down in front of point and crosses over.

Noor Ahmad to Phil Salt, Salt swings himself off his feet! Noor loops it up first up, on leg. Phil has a heave across the line but misses and wears it on the front pad. He slips and falls over.

Anshul Kamboj to Phil Salt, Short ball outside off, guided away through backward point for a single by Phil Salt.

Anshul Kamboj to Phil Salt, FOUR! That's travelled at a rate of knots. Pace off from Kamboj, fractionally short and over middle and leg. Salt gets leg side of the ball and heaves it flat towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Anshul Kamboj to Phil Salt, Oh, a misfield and the batters get the extra run. Back of a length and outside off, punched away towards cover, where Ghosh fumbles and lets it through, conceding two runs.

Anshul Kamboj to Phil Salt, SIX! Up and over, it goes. Shortish length, angled into the batter and at a comfortable height as well. Phil Salt swivels and pulls it beyond deep square leg for a six.

Anshul Kamboj to Phil Salt, A good-looking shot for no run. Shorter in length and outside off, Phil Salt stays upright and slaps it away but straight to the cover fielder.

Anshul Kamboj to Phil Salt, WIDE! Too high. Banged in well short and around off, Salt sways his head away from the line of the ball and lets it through.

Anshul Kamboj to Devdutt Padikkal, Back of a length, outside off, cut away down to deep backward point for one. A bit of hesitation between the batters as they look for two but decide against it.

That's the Powerplay done. Anshul Kamboj to continue.

Khaleel Ahmed to Phil Salt, FOUR! Phil Salt ends the Powerplay with a positive shot. Fractionally short and angled across off, Salt hangs back and gets into a side-on stance before hoicking it through mid-wicket for a boundary. 49/1 after 6 overs.

Khaleel Ahmed to Devdutt Padikkal, First run for Padikkal against Khaleel in the IPL, according to the on-air commentators, as before this game, he was dismissed twice by Khaleel without scoring a single run. Slightly short and outside off, cut away in front of point for a single.

Khaleel Ahmed to Devdutt Padikkal, Play and a miss! Good length, just outside off, looking to induce the drive. Padikkal does go for it but ends up getting beaten past the outside edge.

Khaleel Ahmed to Phil Salt, Pitched on the fuller side and around off, Salt goes back and across, trying to swing it over mid-wicket but ends up just jamming it in front of mid-wicket for a single.

Khaleel Ahmed to Phil Salt, No room on offer. On a hard length on off, angling away, Phil Salt stands tall and forces the punch towards the fielder at cover.

Khaleel Ahmed to Phil Salt, Slower ball, a bit full and around leg stump, Salt gets inside the line and helps it down to fine leg for a couple of runs.

A change of ends for Khaleel Ahmed. In case you missed it, two stalwarts of Indian cricket from this region, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble, have had the two ends at the Chinnaswamy named after them. Both legends were present for the unveiling ceremony that took place before the game. Khaleel is currently operating from the Anil Kumble End.

Anshul Kamboj to Phil Salt, Back of a length, slightly straighter in line, Salt taps it down in front of covers and picks up a single.

Anshul Kamboj to Phil Salt, FOUR! Oh, that's unlucky for the bowler. Good-length delivery, around the top of off and middle. Phil Salt backs away to open up the off side but gets an outside edge that goes well wide to the right of Sanju Samson behind the stumps and goes away into the third man fence.

Anshul Kamboj to Devdutt Padikkal, Back of a length and outside off, stabbed into the off side for a single by Devdutt Padikkal.

In walks Devdutt Padikkal at number 3. A 26-ball 61 for the left-hander on the opening night.

Anshul Kamboj to Virat Kohli, OUT! CAUGHT! Redemption time for Shivam Dube and Virat Kohli has to walk back here. Cleverly bowled by Anshul Kamboj as he does drag his length back, knowing Kohli will still try to take it on. Virat Kohli jumps down the pitch and looks to smoke the ball out of the ground, but gets it high on the bat. The ball travels down to long on, where Dube runs across to his right to get to it and manages to cling on this time. A very unlike Kohli knock, but he's given his team a decent start here.

Anshul Kamboj to Virat Kohli, FOUR! That's become a signature shot for VK in recent times. Good-length delivery over middle, angling in, Kohli uses those lovely wrists of his to whip it across the line and over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Anshul Kamboj to Virat Kohli, Kamboj hits a back of a length and bowls it around off. Kohli advances and shanks the lofted shot on the bounce to the man at mid off.

A change in bowling, but no spin just yet. Anshul Kamboj comes into the attack, replacing Khaleel Ahmed.

Matt Henry to Virat Kohli, Good length, honing in on middle, nudged into the leg side for a single by Kohli. 16 off the over.

Matt Henry to Virat Kohli, FOUR! That's got class written all over it. Full-pitched delivery, attacking the stumps, Virat Kohli gets his hands out in front and punches the straight drive with stellar timing, back past the bowler and the ball rolls away into the fence.

Matt Henry to Virat Kohli, Slower and shorter, Kohli comes forward and plays a wristy pull to the right of deep square leg for a couple of runs more.

Matt Henry to Virat Kohli, Another lofted shot attempted, again, it is not clean enough. Henry pulls his length back by a few inches and serves it around off, Kohli comes forward and hits it back over the bowler's head and clears the 30-yard circle. The ball plugs in the outfield again and they get two runs.

Matt Henry to Virat Kohli, SIX! Finally, Kohli gets one right out of the screws and the crowd comes alive. Length ball on middle, Virat Kohli keeps a still head and nonchalantly whips it across the line, over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Matt Henry to Phil Salt, High and over the infield but just a single. Full-pitched delivery on middle, Phil Salt clears the front leg and lifts it well over mid on but the ball plugs in the outfield, resulting in just a single.

Khaleel Ahmed to Virat Kohli, That in-between length, attacking the stumps and Kohli fails to get it away. Another fine over from Khaleel.

Khaleel Ahmed to Phil Salt, Oh, a risky single now. Back of a length, tight line around off, Phil Salt jams it into the turf and straight to mid off before setting off for the single. Ruturaj Gaikwad picks the ball but misses the direct hit at the bowler's end.

Khaleel Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Full and on the pads, Kohli misses the flick and the ball thuds his pads, rolling towards fine leg. They get a leg bye.

Khaleel Ahmed to Virat Kohli, DROPPED! A big moment in the game already. First of all, a bit unlike Kohli to bash every delivery but Shivam Dube has to catch that. Length ball from Khaleel Ahmed, just around off, Virat Kohli looks to whack it over deep mid-wicket but mistimes it badly. The ball goes high and over mid on, where Dube backtracks and never settles under it. His feet keep moving even as he tries to pouch it, and he ends up spilling it. Two taken.

Khaleel Ahmed to Phil Salt, Back of a length and outside off, Phil Salt looks to take it on but ends up slicing it down to the right of deep third for one more.

Khaleel Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Swung hard again by Kohli, no timing on it, though. Hard length, angling across off, Kohli leans back and swats it in front of square leg for just a single.

A tidy start with the ball for Matt Henry as well. Both Salt and Kohli would be itching to put the ball to the fence as they have failed to do so even once so far.

Matt Henry to Phil Salt, Hit hard but can't get it through! In and around the off stump, on a short of a length. Salt shimmies down the track and hammers it on the up but can't get it past Ruturaj Gaikwad at mid off.

Matt Henry to Virat Kohli, Shaping away, on a back of a length. Kohli dances down the track and flashes at it. Miscues it off the inner half to mid on for one.

Matt Henry to Virat Kohli, Excellent effort! Angled into the pads, on a length. Kohli brings his wrists into play and works it through square leg. Noor Ahmad gets around from deep fine leg and flings himself to his left to push the ball away from the fence, saving a couple of runs for his side.

Matt Henry to Phil Salt, On a length, on off. Phil Salt swings at it. Skews it off the outer half to deep backward point for a run.

Matt Henry to Virat Kohli, In the channel, on a back of a length, Kohli dabs it to backward point, where Khaleel Ahmed makes a mess of it once again and allows a single.

Matt Henry to Phil Salt, Around off, on a back of a length, Salt steers it to short third, where Khaleel Ahmed fumbles and concedes a single.

Excellent start with the ball from Khaleel Ahmed for Chennai Super Kings. Matt Henry will be operating from the other end.

Khaleel Ahmed to Virat Kohli, A play and a miss! Running across the batter, on a good length. Kohli goes for the expansive drive and is beaten. A riveting first over from Khaleel!

Khaleel Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Just out of reach! Full and on middle. Kohli brings his bat out in front and looks to whip it through using his bottom hand. The bat turns in his hands and Virat ends up slicing it over mid on. Shivam Dube turns around and goes after it but the ball drops out of his reach.

Khaleel Ahmed to Virat Kohli, A big mix-up but Kohli gets away with it! On a good length, on off. Kohli presses forward and taps it in front of cover. He sets off for the single before being sent back nearly halfway through the run. The cover fielder swoops in, picks the ball up and has a shy at the batting end but misses. Kohli would have been in trouble had the throw hit.

Khaleel Ahmed to Phil Salt, Oh, just a single? That seemed destined for four. Fuller in length, outside off. Salt extends his hands and carves it over point. The ball plugs in the outfield and dribbles towards the ropes. Matt Henry sprints and slides to his right from deep third to prevent the boundary. Well, initially it seemed like a single but the batters did actually take three runs.

Khaleel Ahmed to Phil Salt, Goes past the bat! Khaleel drags the length back and makes use of the over-the-wicket angle. Slides it across the right-hander. Phil pushes away from his body and is beaten on the outside edge.

Khaleel Ahmed to Phil Salt, Khaleel begins with a full ball and keeps the line around the off stump. Salt pushes out in front of his body for the drive. Gets it more off the inner half towards mid on.

Time to get the show on the road in front of a packed house. Usually a sea of red, the stadium sees a sprinkling of yellow whenever CSK are in town, and that is the case tonight as well. Ruturaj Gaikwad leads his troops out onto the park. The decibel levels go up as the crowd welcomes the two RCB openers, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli. Khaleel Ahmed will kickstart proceedings with the new ball. Salt to take the first strike. A slip and a gully in place. Here we go!

A captain's knock - Rishabh Pant has seen Lucknow home in Hyderabad with an unbeaten 68 off 50 balls. After 13 runs were needed off the last 2 overs, SRH did manage to drag the game till the penultimate ball, but LSG got past the finishing line. The Sunrisers suffer their second loss in three games, while the Super Giants, after starting their campaign with a defeat, register their first win of the season.

Looking forward to this clash - The skipper of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajat Patidar says they would have opted to bowl first as well. He feels the wicket looks pretty hard and good for batting, but adds that the plan now is to put up a strong total and apply pressure on the opposition. He mentions it is a fresh surface and reiterates that conditions here generally favour batters. Shares that he is pleased with how the team performed in the first game, calling it a tremendous collective effort, and adds that everyone is clear about their roles. Rajat informs that they are unchanged for this game.

Huge roar from the crowd... The captain of the Chennai Super Kings, Ruturaj Gaikwad says they want to chase on this high-scoring ground, amidst a roaring Bengaluru crowd. He mentions that it looks like a good wicket and adds that the aim is to keep RCB to as low a total as possible. Speaking about MS Dhoni, Gaikwad replies that he is slowly getting back on track, as it sometimes takes time, but is confident that he will soon be available. Gaikwad adds that the first game for them was disappointing, but the team improved in the second game, in both departments, though there were still a few errors in execution. Overall, he says everyone in the side is confident and is looking forward to the game. He also informs that the team is unchanged.

Impact sub options for CSK - Matthew Short, Akeal Hosein, Kartik Sharma, Ramakrishna Ghosh and Gurjapneet Singh.

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI) - Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry and Khaleel Ahmed.

Impact sub options for RCB - Suyash Sharma, Jacob Bethell, Rasikh Salam, Kanishk Chouhan and Venkatesh Iyer.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh and Jacob Duffy.

TOSS - Time for the coin to go up in Bengaluru. The customary photograph between the two captains is done, and they are joined by Ravi Shastri out in the middle. Ruturaj Gaikwad calls it correctly. Chennai Super Kings elect to BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT - Former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop notes that the square boundaries measure 68 metres on one side and 61 metres on the other, with the straight boundary at 71 metres. Joining him, former South African captain Faf du Plessis describes it as one of the best batting surfaces in India and a personal favourite. Du Plessis mentions that at the Chinnaswamy, what you get is a bit of bounce, which is why RCB tend to load their attack with taller bowlers. Adds that the new ball becomes crucial, if you strike early, you give yourself a real chance, but if you don’t, that’s when the big scores tend to come. Bishop points out a few cracks on the surface and asks du Plessis whether spin could have a role to play. Faf responds that it’s not typically a venue where spin has a major impact. Around 65 per cent of the overs are bowled by pacers here, and he adds that bowling full can be risky and top of off is the ideal length for the spinners.

Sanju Samson is up next - Sanju says he is enjoying his time with CSK and is getting a closer look at what makes a championship-winning side. As a batter, he adds that he is eager to perform and is looking forward to taking positive strides. Samson mentions it took him only a couple of days to get accustomed to the new franchise environment, and highlights the presence of MS Dhoni in the setup, describing the environment as calm and relaxed. When asked if a big knock is around the corner, Sanju says it always feels like one is coming, so let's see. He acknowledges the hype and build-up around the game, adding that everyone is excited for the contest. Samson also says it’s great fun to play at this venue and is looking forward to the occasion.

How's the mood in the RCB camp? Devdutt Padikkal says that he is looking forward to the game after a long break. Mentions that once the season gets going, players prefer matches to come thick and fast. Shares that the break has been spent unwinding, with activities like padel and a few team dinners helping the group recharge. Devdutt admits it can be a little frustrating with the Impact Player rule, as it sometimes means he has to sit out during the team's bowling effort. Further says he enjoys being out in the field and contributing in that aspect of the game. DDP acknowledges that CSK are a tough opposition and adds that the intensity is always high in such contests. He stresses the importance of starting well and carrying that momentum through the game.

What's happening in Hyderabad? In the first game of the day, Rishabh Pant is holding the chase together for the Lucknow Super Giants. The equation for LSG reads 49 needed off 36 balls, and as long as Pant is at the crease, they will feel fairly confident of getting the job done. Earlier, Sunrisers Hyderabad recovered from 26/4, but a flurry of wickets towards the end meant they had to settle for 156. You can switch tabs and keep an eye on the action while we await the toss here in Bengaluru.

The numbers favour Bengaluru - Chennai's batting has lacked fluency, with the lowest run rate (8.75) among teams since the start of IPL 2025, while Bengaluru sit third on the list with a far healthier run rate of 9.87. The contrast becomes even sharper when it comes to pace bowling. Since 2025, CSK's pacers have picked up the fewest wickets (45) while conceding runs at 10.1, the third worst among teams. RCB, on the other hand, have thrived in this department, with the third most wickets (72) and the second best economy (9.43).

A Sunday treat in Bengaluru - A weekend blockbuster is upon us as Royal Challengers Bengaluru host their rivals, Chennai Super Kings. With the two teams placed in different groups, this will be their only meeting in the league stage, but a potential rematch in the playoffs could still be on the cards. In recent times, RCB have had the upper hand, winning 4 of the last 6 meetings, including the last three, while CSK have also lost on their last two trips to Bengaluru. That said, this rivalry has delivered some memorable encounters over the years, and let's hope this one adds another to that list.

... MATCH DAY ...

The Southern Derby - Match 11 of the Indian Premier League 2026 season brings one of the league’s most iconic rivalries to the forefront as Royal Challengers Bengaluru host Chennai Super Kings at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This clash is part of a high-voltage double-header weekend and carries early-season importance for both teams. With contrasting starts, the match could significantly influence momentum going forward. RCB enter this contest riding high after a commanding win in their opening game, where they successfully chased down a 200+ total with ease. Their batting unit looked fluent and confident, setting the tone for a strong title defense. In contrast, CSK have endured a difficult start, losing both of their opening matches despite a much-improved batting performance in the last game. Their inability to defend big scores highlights concerns in their bowling unit and overall execution under pressure. Venue dynamics - The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is synonymous with high-scoring encounters. Short boundaries and a flat pitch make it a nightmare for bowlers and a paradise for batters. Teams chasing often have an advantage here, especially with dew playing a role in evening games. Expect another run-fest, where a total in excess of 200 may not be safe. However, given that it is early April, the dew might not play as big a role as expected, but the smaller dimensions do make it a very difficult ground to defend a total. The in-form Red Brigade - RCB’s biggest strength lies in their explosive and well-balanced batting lineup. Players like Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal have already shown excellent form, while skipper Rajat Patidar anchors the middle order. Their depth is further enhanced by power hitters and all-rounders who can accelerate at any stage. On the bowling front, experienced names like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and emerging contributors have provided control and breakthroughs. RCB’s ability to adapt to conditions at home makes them particularly dangerous, and they will likely stick to a similar winning combination. Test of CSK's mettle - CSK, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, find themselves under early pressure. A couple of contrasting batting performances haven't helped their cause, but their bowling has struggled to contain opposition batters, whether it be in a low-scoring affair against Rajasthan Royals or while defending a 200-plus total against Punjab Kings. The biggest positive for CSK has been the consistent form of Shivam Dube and the middle order is starting to find its stride, along with Ayush Mhatre, who was prolific in the last game. The highly-experienced and highly-rated opening pair of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson need to do better, though. The team management may need to rethink combinations, particularly their use of all-rounders and bowling rotations. However, CSK’s experienced core and history of bouncing back in tournaments mean they cannot be written off, even in a tough away fixture. Key battles to watch out for - One of the most anticipated duels will be between Virat Kohli and the CSK bowling attack. Kohli has an excellent record against CSK and thrives at this venue, making him a central figure in the contest. Another crucial battle will involve CSK’s top order, particularly the duo of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson, against RCB’s new-ball attack. Early wickets could dictate the flow of the innings in a high-scoring game. Team form (Last 5 completed games, recent first) - RCB - WWWWL | CSK - LLWLW. Predictions? Given the current form, home advantage, and superior balance, RCB start as favorites in this contest. However, matches between these two sides often defy expectations, and CSK’s experience could still produce a turnaround performance. Overall, this fixture promises to be a thrilling, high-scoring encounter filled with star power, tactical intrigue, and intense rivalry, everything that defines the IPL at its best. Who do you think will grab the bragging rights in this Clash of the Titans?