It was a night of drama, domination, and a touch of nostalgia on a night that saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) end their 17-year wait for victory in Chennai as they defeated arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 50 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium during IPL 2025.

Adding to the excitement was a surprise congratulatory tweet from former RCB owner Vijay Mallya, who turned to X (formerly Twitter) to praise the performance of the team. Congratulations to RCB on a comprehensive win against the Southern opposition, CSK, in their Chepauk stronghold after 18 years. A stellar all-around display with bat and ball. Play Bold lads," tweeted Mallya, who is currently based in the UK and under legal proceedings back in India on charges of financial crimes involving ₹9000 crores in defaults on loans.

RCB, who had just beaten Kolkata Knight Riders in the tournament opener, is now sitting pretty at the top of the IPL 2025 standings with two wins in two. Skipper Rajat Patidar led by example with a gritty half-century, laying the platform for a total of 196/7, which proved more than sufficient, courtesy of a sharp bowling performance that sent CSK packing for 146/8.

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Congratulations to RCB for an emphatic victory over Southern rivals CSK in their Chepauk fortress after 18 long years. A great all round performance with bat and ball. Play Bold guys.

— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) March 28, 2025

This game wasn't another victory it was the first time since 2008 that RCB had defeated CSK in Chennai. The magnitude of the moment was not lost on anyone, certainly not Virat Kohli, who is the sole remaining player from that triumphant 2008 team. His broad grin after the game spoke volumes Chepauk, at last, tamed.

With fans pouring into social media and even veteran faces such as Mallya making themselves heard on the net, RCB's initial momentum this season has renewed hope for the elusive IPL title.