Chepauk Stadium is set to witness another high-voltage clash in IPL 2025 as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The battle between Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni makes this encounter extra special for the fans. RCB’s batting will rely on Kohli and Phil Salt, while CSK will depend on Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube. Josh Hazlewood will face his former franchise, and CSK will aim to dominate with their spinners at Chepauk.
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Kohli vs Dhoni: A Legendary Rivalry
Over the years, Kohli and Dhoni have played several thrilling matches against each other in the IPL. Kohli has scored 1,053 runs in 32 innings against CSK, making it his second-best performance against any team after DC (1,057). He has nine half-centuries against CSK, with his highest score being an unbeaten 90*. His consistency and ability to play big innings make him the biggest threat for CSK.
On the other hand, Dhoni has scored 864 runs in 33 innings against RCB at an average of 39.3 and a strike rate of 142. His record includes four half-centuries, with a best score of an unbeaten 84*.
Sam Curran Can Trouble Salt and Kohli
RCB will look for a strong start from Kohli and Salt, but they will face a tough challenge from left-arm pacer Sam Curran. Curran has a good record against Salt and has dismissed Kohli twice in T20s.
- Salt has scored 104 runs against Curran in 13 innings but has been dismissed five times. His average against Curran is just 20.8, with a strike rate of 143.
- Kohli, however, has fared better, scoring 112 runs in 11 innings at an average of 56 and a strike rate of 145, but he has been dismissed twice.
This battle will be crucial in setting the foundation for RCB’s batting.
Hazlewood Could Be a Threat for CSK
In the previous season, RCB struggled with their powerplay bowling, conceding runs at an economy rate of 9.8—the fourth-worst in the tournament. To fix this issue, they signed Josh Hazlewood in the auction, and he proved his worth in the first match itself. Against KKR, he bowled two brilliant overs and dismissed Quinton de Kock, putting immediate pressure on the opposition.
Since IPL 2022, Hazlewood has bowled 56% of his overs in the powerplay, where he has an economy of 7.0 and a strike rate of 19.8, taking 10 wickets. While playing for CSK earlier, he took 12 wickets in 12 matches with an economy of 7.9 and a strike rate of 22.5.
Shivam Dube Needs Reliable Support
CSK has heavily relied on Shivam Dube for aggressive batting in the middle overs, but the lack of stable support remains a concern. In IPL 2024, CSK’s middle-order (batting positions 4-7) saw Dube contributing 36% of the runs alone, while the rest of the batters combined for 64%.
- Deepak Hooda scored 148 runs in 10 innings at an average of 16.4 and a strike rate of 135, with a highest score of 50.
- Sam Curran managed 274 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.9 and a strike rate of 120, with a top score of an unbeaten 63*.
If CSK wants to overcome their middle-order struggles, they need a batter who can consistently perform alongside Dube and handle pressure situations.
This high-stakes match at Chepauk promises intense action, with both teams looking to gain an upper hand. Can Kohli lead RCB to victory, or will Dhoni’s experience guide CSK to yet another triumph?
CSK vs RCB- List of Commentators for Today Match IPL 2025
Ravi Shastri, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Harbhajan Singh, Aakash Chopra, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Shane Watson, Aaron Finch, Eoin Morgan, Sanjay Bangar, Sanjay Manjrekar and Natalie Germanos are expected to commentate in today’s match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
CSK vs RCB- List of Umpires for Today Match IPL 2025
| Role | Umpire Name |
|---|---|
| On-field Umpire 1 | Nitin Menon |
| On-field Umpire 2 | Saiyed Khalid |
| Third Umpire | KN Anantha Padmanabhan |
