The six that cleared the Chinnaswamy roof on Sunday night was 106 metres. It sent the Bengaluru crowd into a frenzy, broke whatever resistance CSK had left, and became the defining image of RCB’s dominant 250 for 3. What made it even better was what Tim David revealed afterwards.
They practise that exact shot.
“We have competitions to try and hit them on the roof and we’re obviously on the side pitches,” David said after the match. “So to get one during a match out of the middle is pretty pleasing. And Jamie’s bowling quicker at that stage. So, get on the one, help it up on the roof. It’s good fun.”
Image Source: India Today
Jamie Overton, the bowler on the receiving end, would perhaps use different words to describe the experience. David hit him for 30 runs in a single over, the 19th of the innings, turning an already commanding total into something completely beyond reach for CSK.
The knock itself was 70 off 25 balls, with eight sixes and three boundaries. David walked in after Devdutt Padikkal’s dismissal in the 15th over, with RCB already in a strong position. What followed was an exhibition of controlled destruction. He targeted the shorter boundaries, punished any error in length, and maintained a relentless tempo that never gave CSK’s bowlers a moment to settle.
There was a slice of luck early, bowled off a no-ball, but David ensured CSK paid the full price for that reprieve. Batting coach Dinesh Karthik later described him as a naturally gifted striker whose power is sharpened through consistent and focused practice. The roof-hitting competitions in the Chinnaswamy nets are one such example of that preparation.
RCB eventually bowled CSK out for 207, completing a comprehensive victory. For CSK, it was another evening to forget. For David and RCB, it was a statement that the defending champions mean business again this season.
