IPL 2019: Imran Tahir and Harbhajan Singh destroy RCB

The spin of Imran Tahir and Harbhajan Singh accounted for six of the wickets lost by the Royal Challengers Bangalore in their seven wicket loss to the Chennai Super Kings in the opening match of IPL 2019.

Harbhajan claimed the vital wickets of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers though he had to get the latter out twice after his spin twin Tahir shelled the first catch, a ball later Ravindra Jadeja held a stunning catch running in off the fence to remove the former Proteas skipper.

Only Parthiv Patel (29) managed to get into double figures in an abject blow out for RCB the kind that have become all too familiar for the frustrated fans of the franchise.

Jadeja chipped in with a brace of wickets himself as the spinners ran riot in Chennai.

Harbhajan took 3 for 20 and Tahir 3 for 9 as RCB were skittled for just 70.

A sluggish start to CSK’s chase may have given RCB some hope especially when Yuzvendra Chahal castled Aussie veteran Shane Watson for a duck to leave the hosts 8 for 1 in Chepauk.

The CSK top order proved more than a match for the total even if they failed to totally dominate the chase taking 17.4 overs to haul in the meager total on a turning track.

After the match CSK captain MS Dhoni admitted the pitch didn’t play anything like expected.

He said: ” We were not really sure about the wicket, we played our practice game here but it wasn’t turning that much. I never expected the wicket to play how it played. I think something close to 140 you are looking at. I think the wicket needs to get much better. Well, we have communicated to the players in what scenarios they will be needed. He [Harbhajan] has the kind of experience needed to bowl on this wicket. I don’t think he would have minded bowling first or second here. “

Watch highlights of CSK v RCB here