RCB vs CSK IPL 2025: In a high-stakes encounter at a pivotal stage of IPL 2025, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won the toss and chose to field first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The match promises fireworks, with both teams entering the contest looking to test bench strength while keeping winning momentum alive.
RCB’s skipper Rajat Patidar, standing in for Faf du Plessis, acknowledged that he too would have preferred to bowl first but remains confident about setting a challenging total. “The wicket won’t change much. We’re looking to put runs on the board and keep them under pressure. Everyone’s contributing, and as a captain, I’m proud of how the team has performed,” said Patidar.
The big change in RCB’s lineup saw Lungi Ngidi replacing Josh Hazlewood, as they aim to boost their pace attack alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal will open the innings, followed by the likes of Tim David and Krunal Pandya in the middle.
Watch Toss Video:
🚨 Toss 🚨@ChennaiIPL won the toss and elected to bowl against @RCBTweets in Bengaluru.
Updates ▶ https://t.co/I4Eij3ZNlN#TATAIPL | #RCBvCSK pic.twitter.com/BjuiUUBoDN
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 3, 2025
RCB Playing XI:
Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal
RCB Impact Subs:
Suyash Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Swapnil Singh
Meanwhile, MS Dhoni, donning the dual role of captain and keeper, emphasized the importance of using these final games to evaluate potential future assets. “Yes, winning is important, but we’re also looking at how individuals fit into our plans going forward. The pitch has been under covers and might be tacky early on. After that, it should become good for batting,” Dhoni explained.
CSK continues with the same playing XI, including exciting young talents like Ayush Mhatre and Shaik Rasheed, alongside experienced campaigners like Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, and Deepak Hooda.
CSK Playing XI:
Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Deepak Hooda, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Matheesha Pathirana
CSK Impact Subs:
Shivam Dube, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Jamie Overton
The venue is known for high-scoring games, and with both teams boasting firepower across departments, fans can expect an exciting contest. While CSK is experimenting with combinations for the future, RCB is eyeing consistency and crucial wins in the race for playoffs.
Will Dhoni’s decision to bowl first pay off, or will RCB’s top-order seize the momentum? The stage is set for another IPL thriller.
