Chennai, March 28: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set for a stern test as they take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their second consecutive away fixture in Match 8 of IPL 2025 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. After an opening encounter against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders, this battle in Chennai presents a different challenge—one that has historically troubled RCB.
RCB’s Struggles in Chennai and Spin Woes
RCB have always found it difficult to dominate at Chepauk, winning only one out of nine matches played here. Their lineup is largely composed of batters who thrive on true-paced pitches, making them susceptible to CSK’s strong spin attack. Among RCB’s top-order batters, only captain Rajat Patidar has a higher strike rate against spin than pace, while Phil Salt and Jitesh Sharma maintain near-equal efficiency.
However, against a bowling lineup featuring Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad, this could be a major hurdle. The RCB squad is designed to capitalize on home conditions at the Chinnaswamy Stadium and other batting-friendly venues across India, making this fixture a stern early-season examination.
CSK Banking on Home Advantage
CSK have a strong head-to-head record of 21-11 against RCB and have not lost to them at Chepauk since the inaugural season in 2008. However, their batting did not look entirely convincing against Mumbai Indians in their previous game, where they chased down a modest target of 155.
While Shivam Dube has an impressive record against RCB (234 runs at 158.11 strike rate), teams have often countered him with short-pitched bowling. Last season, RCB managed to restrict him effectively at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where Lockie Ferguson and Cameron Green kept him to just three runs off nine balls before dismissing him.
Pitch and Conditions
The Chepauk pitch in the season opener was balanced between bat and ball, with spinners bowling 25 out of 40 overs and making a significant impact. However, batting second has been favorable, with teams chasing winning seven out of the last ten matches at this venue.
Team Updates & Probable Playing XI
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Injury Update: Pacer Matheesha Pathirana missed the opening match due to an unspecified injury. Coach Stephen Fleming has confirmed he is improving but remains doubtful for this clash.
- Tactics & Matchups: Ashwin has had success against Patidar, dismissing him twice in 25 balls while conceding at less than a run per ball.
Probable XI:
- Rahul Tripathi
- Rachin Ravindra
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)
- Shivam Dube
- Deepak Hooda
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Sam Curran
- MS Dhoni (WK)
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Nathan Ellis
- Noor Ahmad
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Injury Update: Bhuvneshwar Kumar missed the opening match but has been bowling in practice. His availability will be a late decision.
- Tactics & Matchups: RCB might employ short-pitched bowling against Dube, who has struggled with this tactic in the past.
Probable XI:
- Virat Kohli
- Phil Salt (WK)
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar (C)
- Liam Livingstone
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Tim David
- Krunal Pandya
- Rasikh Dar
- Yash Dayal
- Josh Hazlewood
Key Stats & Facts
- Virat Kohli attempted a sweep once every five balls against KKR’s spinners.
- RCB’s last four wins against CSK (since 2019) have come while defending totals.
- CSK openers had the lowest scoring rate in IPL 2024, and their new pair of Rahul Tripathi and Rachin Ravindra struggled in the opening match against MI.
Where to Watch CSK vs RCB IPL 2025 Live
Fans can catch the live telecast of the match on the Star Sports Network, while live streaming will be available on JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar with a subscription.
Can RCB finally break their Chepauk jinx, or will CSK extend their dominance at home? The battle at Chennai promises to be a thrilling contest!
