The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was bathed in a sea of purple on Sunday, because it performed host to a historic double-header of types: a high-octane Southern Derby and a deeply emotional tribute to 2 of Karnataka’s best sporting icons. Match 11 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Tremendous Kings (CSK) served as the proper backdrop for a landmark second in Indian cricket historical past. Earlier than the primary ball was bowled on this high-stakes encounter, the ambiance was thick with nostalgia because the Karnataka State Cricket Affiliation (KSCA) formally immortalized the legacies of Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble inside the very partitions the place their journeys started.
KSCA honours Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble with stand-end names at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
In a poignant ceremony that preceded the night’s festivities, the KSCA formally unveiled the renamed bowling ends of the long-lasting M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The previous BEML Finish, situated on the far nook of the bottom, has been rechristened the Rahul Dravid Finish, whereas the historic Pavilion Finish will now ceaselessly be referred to as the Anil Kumble Finish. The disclosing was overseen by KSCA President and former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad, alongside Vice-President Sujith Somasundar.
The ceremony was a household affair, reflecting the deep roots each gamers have in Bengaluru. Dravid’s mom, Pushpa, and brother, Vijay, had been current to see the ‘Wall’ honoured at his second residence. An emotional Dravid remarked that the stadium had given him “every part I’m at the moment.” In the meantime, Kumble’s spouse, Chetana, and their youngsters, Mayas, Aaruni, and Swasthi witnessed the tribute to the person who took 956 worldwide wickets. This gesture follows the KSCA’s February announcement, which additionally included naming a stand after pioneering lady cricketer Shanta Rangaswamy, guaranteeing that the structure of Karnataka cricket now mirrors its legendary historical past.
A becoming tribute to 2 of India’s most interesting cricketing stalwarts 🫡
🎥 The M Chinnaswamy Stadium formally inaugurates the Anil Kumble Finish and Rahul Dravid Finish in honour of their service to Karnataka & Indian cricket 🏟️#TATAIPL | @kscaofficial1 | @anilkumble1074 pic.twitter.com/vbDE9Nw7Cz
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 5, 2026
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RCB blast CSK within the final South Indian Derby
As soon as the tributes concluded, the Kumble and Dravid ends witnessed a modern-day batting masterclass as RCB dismantled CSK by 43 runs in a record-breaking efficiency. Despatched in to bat, Bengaluru posted a gargantuan 250/3, the best whole of the 2026 season to date. The muse was laid by Phil Salt (46) and Devdutt Padikkal (50), however the true carnage started when Tim David and Rajat Patidar joined forces.
Tim David, the Participant of the Match, performed an innings for the ages, smashing an unbeaten 70 off simply 25 balls. His knock included a monstrous 106-metre six that cleared the stadium roof, a part of a 30-run demolition of Jamie Overton within the nineteenth over. Skipper Rajat Patidar supplied elite help with a blistering 48* off 19 deliveries. In response, CSK struggled towards a disciplined RCB assault. Regardless of a valiant 50 from Sarfaraz Khan and late cameos from Prashant Veer (43), the guests had been bowled out for 207 in 19.4 overs. The night time additionally belonged to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who claimed 3/41 to turn into the primary bowler to succeed in the milestone of 200 IPL wickets, fittingly reaching the feat on a floor newly adorned by the names of legends.
Additionally READ: Fans brutally troll Shivam Dube for dropping Virat Kohli’s catch during RCB vs CSK clash at IPL 2026
