IPL 2018, CSK vs RCB: 5 talking points

Chennai Super Kings edged closer towards their qualification for the playoffs by defeating the Royal Challengers Bangalore by 6 wickets at Pune. Batting first, all of RCB's recognised batsmen struggled except for Parthiv Patel who scored a well-made 53 from 41 deliveries.

After Parthiv's dismissal, RCB were in a tough spot at 87/7. However, Tim Southee did some hitting during the death overs and took Bangalore to 127/9.

In reply, CSK lost Shane Watson early but Rayudu and Raina put them in a decent position. After losing three wickets in quick succession, MS Dhoni and Dwayne Bravo started slowly before the former smashed three sixes off Yuzvendra Chahal to level the scores. CSK then won the match with two overs to spare.

The win took CSK to the top position while RCB remained at the 6th spot. Here are 5 talking points of the match.

#5 Parthiv Patel makes a decent start to IPL 2018

The 33-year-old was RCB's lone wolf till the first 13 overs as he played some brilliant shots while his partners were going back to the dugout in quick succession.The Royal Challengers were without keeper Quinton de Kock today as he flew home to attend a wedding. Parthiv Patel took his place and was playing his first match of the tournament.

Patel smashed 5 fours and two sixes as he scored his 11th IPL fifty. The keeper-batsman went on to score 53 before being caught and bowled by Ravindra Jadeja.

Had Parthiv Patel stayed longer, then maybe RCB could have posted another 25-35 runs on the board.