The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai witnessed high drama as Virat Kohli’s animated celebration after dismissing Rahul Tripathi became the talking point of the night during the RCB vs CSK clash in IPL 2025.
Tripathi, who was backed by Chennai Super Kings to open the innings despite a poor outing in the season opener, once again faltered—this time against the lethal pace of Josh Hazlewood. The right-hander managed just 5 runs off 3 balls, with his dismissal coming in the second over, courtesy of a sharp bouncer.
But what caught the audience’s attention even more was Virat Kohli’s fiery send-off, shouting in the heat of the moment—a sign of how intense this rivalry has become. While such expressions are part of the game’s passion, Kohli’s aggression made headlines and raised discussions on sportsmanship and pressure in high-stakes matches.
Key Highlights:
Rahul Tripathi’s Dismal Stats Against Hazlewood
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Tripathi’s record against Hazlewood is quickly becoming a worry. In IPL history, he has now faced the Australian pacer three times, scored just 15 runs, and has been dismissed twice. Clearly, Hazlewood has the upper hand, and CSK’s decision to push Tripathi to the top again backfired.
CSK’s Strategy in Question
The decision to promote Tripathi ahead of regular opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has left experts puzzled. Gaikwad, who was pushed to No. 3, also had a forgettable outing, falling for a duck—ironically, also to Hazlewood. The early twin-blow derailed CSK’s innings and highlighted potential flaws in their top-order strategy.
Aakash Chopra’s Concerns on CSK’s Opening Tactics
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra openly questioned the team’s thinking. Speaking ahead of the match, Chopra said:
“Are Chennai going to continue with this new plan? Rahul Tripathi as opener was a surprise. Is it a one-match plan, or a longer-term strategy? Chennai typically sticks with decisions. But if it continues, they must back it with performance.”
His concerns now seem valid, especially with back-to-back failures from Tripathi.
What’s Next for Tripathi and CSK?
With a price tag of INR 3.40 crore, Tripathi was expected to deliver as a power-packed top-order player. But with scores of 2 and 5 so far, CSK will need to reevaluate their batting combinations. Will they bring back Gaikwad to open alongside Rachin Ravindra, or will they continue to persist with Tripathi?
Meanwhile, RCB’s morale is soaring. Their comprehensive win keeps them on top of the IPL 2025 standings. With Kohli leading from the front, both with the bat and his electric energy in the field, RCB is clearly sending a message.
As the tournament progresses, the spotlight remains firmly on Rahul Tripathi. Will he be given another chance, or is it time for CSK to ring in changes?
Stay tuned for more IPL 2025 live score updates, analysis, and inside stories.
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