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The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was bathed in a sea of red on Sunday, as it played host to a historic double-header of sorts: a high-octane Southern Derby and a deeply emotional tribute to two of Karnataka’s greatest sporting icons. Match 11 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) served as the perfect backdrop for a landmark moment in Indian cricket history. Before the first ball was bowled in this high-stakes encounter, the atmosphere was thick with nostalgia as the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) officially immortalized the legacies of Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble within the very walls where their journeys began.
KSCA honours Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble with stand-end names at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
In a poignant ceremony that preceded the evening’s festivities, the KSCA officially unveiled the renamed bowling ends of the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The old BEML End, located at the far corner of the ground, has been rechristened the Rahul Dravid End, while the historic Pavilion End will now forever be known as the Anil Kumble End. The unveiling was overseen by KSCA President and former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad, alongside Vice-President Sujith Somasundar.
The ceremony was a family affair, reflecting the deep roots both players have in Bengaluru. Dravid’s mother, Pushpa, and brother, Vijay, were present to see the ‘Wall’ honoured at his second home. An emotional Dravid remarked that the stadium had given him “everything I am today.” Meanwhile, Kumble’s wife, Chetana, and their children, Mayas, Aaruni, and Swasthi witnessed the tribute to the man who took 956 international wickets. This gesture follows the KSCA’s February announcement, which also included naming a stand after pioneering woman cricketer Shanta Rangaswamy, ensuring that the architecture of Karnataka cricket now mirrors its legendary history.
A fitting tribute to two of India's finest cricketing stalwarts 🫡
🎥 The M Chinnaswamy Stadium officially inaugurates the Anil Kumble End and Rahul Dravid End in honour of their service to Karnataka & Indian cricket 🏟️ | |
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL)
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RCB blast CSK in the ultimate South Indian Derby
Once 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 performance. Sent in to bat, Bengaluru posted a gargantuan 250/3, the highest total of the 2026 season thus far. The foundation was laid by Phil Salt (46) and Devdutt Padikkal (50), but the real carnage began when Tim David and Rajat Patidar joined forces.
Tim David, the Player of the Match, played an innings for the ages, smashing an unbeaten 70 off just 25 balls. His knock included a monstrous 106-metre six that cleared the stadium roof, part of a 30-run demolition of Jamie Overton in the 19th over. Skipper Rajat Patidar provided elite support with a blistering 48* off 19 deliveries. In response, CSK struggled against a disciplined RCB attack. Despite a valiant 50 from Sarfaraz Khan and late cameos from Prashant Veer (43), the visitors were bowled out for 207 in 19.4 overs. The night also belonged to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who claimed 3/41 to become the first bowler to reach the milestone of 200 IPL wickets, fittingly achieving the feat on a ground newly adorned by the names of legends.
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