The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was engulfed in a sea of red on Sunday as it played host to a historic double-header: a high-octane South Derby and a deeply emotional tribute to two of Karnataka’s biggest sporting icons. 11th match Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) It served as the perfect backdrop to a landmark moment in Indian cricket history. The atmosphere was thick with nostalgia before the first ball was bowled in this high-profile encounter. Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) officially immortalized his legacy Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble within the walls where their journey begins.
KSCA honors Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble with stand-up titles at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
In an exciting ceremony before the evening festivities, KSCA officially unveiled the renamed bowling ends of the famous M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. The old BEML End at the farthest corner of the ground has been rechristened the Rahul Dravid End, while the historic Pavilion End will forever be known as the Anil Kumble End. KSCA president and former Indian pacer oversaw the launch Venkatesh Prasadalong with the vice president It is Sujith Somasun.
The ceremony was a family affair reflecting both the players’ deep roots in Bengaluru. Dravid’s mother Pushpa and brother Vijay were present to see ‘The Wall’ put up in his second home. An emotional Dravid remarked that the stadium gave him “today is my everything.” Meanwhile, Kumble’s wife, Chetanaand their children, Mayans, Aaruni, and health He witnessed the honor of 956 international goalscorers. The gesture follows KSCA’s February announcement, including naming a stand after a pioneering female cricketer. Shantha RangaswamyIt ensures that the architecture of Karnataka cricket now reflects its legendary history.
A fitting tribute to two of India’s finest cricketers 🫡
🎥 M Chinnaswamy Stadium officially inaugurated Anil Kumble End and Rahul Dravid End in honor of their services to Karnataka and Indian cricket 🏟️#TATAIPL | @kscaofficial1 | @anilkumble1074 pic.twitter.com/vbDE9Nw7Cz
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 5, 2026
Also READ: Fans react as Tim David’s masterclass inspires RCB to a decisive win over CSK in IPL 2026.
RCB blasted CSK in the last South Indian derby
After the tributes were over, Kumble and Dravid’s finishes witnessed a modern batting masterclass as RCB dismantled CSK by 43 runs in a record-breaking performance. Sent into bat, Bengaluru posted a colossal 250/3, the highest total of the 2026 season so far. founded by Phil Salt (46) and Devdutt Padikkal (50) but when did the real slaughter begin Tim David and Rajat Patidar joined forces.
Tim DavidThe Man of the Match played a knock of centuries, smashing 70 off just 25 balls. His knock was a monstrous 106-metre six that cleared the roof of the stadium. Jamie Overton on the 19th. Skipper Rajat Patidar Elite support with 48* discount on 19 deliveries. In reply, CSK struggled against a disciplined RCB attack. Despite being braver than 50 Sarfaraz Khan and late cameras Prashant Veer (43), the visitors were bowled out for 207 in 19.4 overs. The night also belonged Bhuvneshwar KumarHe claimed 3/41 to become the first bowler to reach the milestone of 200 IPL wickets, deserving of the feat on a pitch newly decorated with legends’ names.
Also READ: Fans troll Shivam Dube wildly for dropping Virat Kohli’s catch during RCB vs CSK clash in IPL 2026.
