In a shocking turn of events during the IPL 2025 match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on May 3, CSK pacer Khaleel Ahmed set an unwanted record for the most expensive bowling spell in IPL history. Khaleel conceded a staggering 65 runs in just three overs, a feat that eclipsed previous records for the costliest spells.
The moment of his downfall came in the 19th over, when he was brutally punished by RCB all-rounder Romario Shepherd, who hammered Khaleel to all parts of the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Shepherd's fireworks were pivotal in RCB's surge to a 213/5 total, after they had seemed to be in a tricky position at 157/5 in the 17.4 overs.
Khaleel’s 65-run total broke the record set earlier this season by Jofra Archer of Rajasthan Royals, who had conceded 76 runs in four overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, Khaleel’s costliest spell came in fewer overs, making his figures the most expensive in IPL history, both per over and overall.
Earlier in the innings, RCB’s opening duo of Jacob Bethell and Virat Kohli provided a solid foundation with aggressive batting, but the middle order, featuring Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, and Jitesh Sharma, failed to capitalize on the strong start. It was Shepherd’s explosive batting in the final overs that turned the tide in RCB’s favor, leaving CSK to chase a daunting total.
The game serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in T20 cricket, and for Khaleel Ahmed, it's a performance he'd want to forget quickly.
