Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have escalated a fresh grievance with the BCCI after their IPL 2026 meeting with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 5. The franchise claims the on-site entertainment during the game crossed acceptable limits, with allegations ranging from mocking of CSK’s Tamil identity to alleged harassment aimed at CSK supporters.
Quick facts
- CSK filed a formal complaint with the BCCI against RCB after the April 5 IPL 2026 match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
- The grievance cites alleged issues with in-stadium entertainment and comments directed at CSK players and fans.
- CSK say a song referencing “dosa, idli, sambar, chutney” was used in a way they viewed as stereotypical.
- RCB have reportedly won four straight matches against CSK, adding to the rivalry’s intensity.
- On the field, RCB beat CSK by 43 runs.
The complaint spotlights a specific track that, in CSK’s view, used food references—“dosa, idli, sambar, chutney”—as a dig at CSK and, by extension, the franchise’s association with Tamil Nadu. CSK believe the use of the song in the stadium setting amounted to ridicule rather than neutral crowd entertainment.
CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan said the usual setup at home matches involves DJs supporting the home team, but this time the environment at Bengaluru was different. He pointed to remarks that were made toward CSK players and said the franchise has written to the BCCI requesting scrutiny.
How the dispute traces back
CSK’s current complaint also draws a line back to events from the previous year. It was reported that RCB had shared a clip featuring wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma singing “Dosa, idli, sambar, chutney” ahead of a Chennai game, which triggered a backlash from CSK supporters.
Later, in the return match at Chepauk, CSK’s DJ played the same track when Jitesh was dismissed. After that, CSK management stepped in, issuing instructions to prevent any future remarks or actions that could target opposition players or fans.
Viswanathan later said there was no repetition after those instructions, adding that the DJ’s responsibility is to build atmosphere rather than make comments about players from the other side. He also stressed that CSK’s fanbase has been supportive in large numbers.
However, CSK say similar boundaries were crossed again during the April 5 clash in Bengaluru. Beyond the song, they have objected to what they describe as remarks made by the stadium DJ after CSK players were dismissed, arguing that the entertainment staff should not be used to target or ridicule opposition.
According to CSK’s position, the DJ’s job is to enhance the match experience, not to insert elements that turn the event personal or hostile. The franchise believes the comments after dismissals went beyond the line and has asked the governing body to examine the conduct.
Match result: RCB vs CSK (April 5, 2026)
While the off-field controversy took centre stage, the on-field story belonged to RCB. The hosts secured a 43-run win over CSK in a high-scoring contest.
RCB batted first and posted 250/3, with Tim David striking an unbeaten 70 off just 25 balls. Their innings also featured a late surge alongside captain Rajat Patidar, and the pair’s 99-run stand in the death overs disrupted CSK’s bowlers and set a steep chase.
Devdutt Padikkal contributed 50 and Phil Salt made 46 earlier in the innings, before RCB accelerated in the final stretch. They piled up 97 runs in the last five overs to take control of the game.
CSK’s chase started poorly, with the side losing key wickets during the powerplay. Still, they fought back through Sarfaraz Khan (50), Prashant Veer (43) and Jamie Overton (37), but were eventually dismissed for 207 in 19.4 overs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the standout for RCB’s bowling unit with three wickets, while RCB’s disciplined attack kept the target out of reach. With RCB reportedly extending their dominance—having won four successive matches against CSK—the rivalry’s edge has sharpened even further.
