The excitement of IPL 2025 continues. On Friday, a high-stakes clash will take place between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). RCB will aim to break their 17-year-long winless streak at Chepauk. The team has managed to defeat CSK here only once, back in the first season of the tournament in 2008.
Only Virat Remains from the Old RCB Squad
Among the current RCB squad, only star batter Virat Kohli was part of that 2008 victory. He will now look to breach Super Kings’ fortress once again. However, the challenge will not be easy. As always, Chennai will be ready to dominate on their spin-friendly home pitch, making it tough for the opposition.
CSK’s Spin Trio Will Be a Major Threat
Chennai boasts an experienced spin attack, with Ravindra Jadeja being a long-standing member of the squad. Last year, the team re-signed Ravichandran Ashwin, and they have also brought in Afghanistan’s left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad. This trio performed exceptionally well in their last match against five-time champions Mumbai Indians. They bowled a combined 11 overs, conceding just 70 runs while taking five wickets.
A typical Chepauk pitch is expected for this match, meaning Kohli and RCB’s batting lineup will need to step up their game to counter Chennai’s seasoned bowling attack. Instead of going fully aggressive, RCB batters will have to play smart cricket against CSK’s three-dimensional spin attack, with Kohli leading from the front.
All Eyes on Kohli
Facing spin has not always been Kohli’s strongest suit, but in the past two years, he has shown significant improvement. His willingness to play more sweep and slog-sweep shots has been a key factor in this transformation. On Friday evening, Kohli will have to put all his expertise on display. He will also need support from fellow batters like Phil Salt, captain Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, and Jitesh Sharma. Given the pitch conditions, RCB might consider replacing Tim David with Jacob Bethell, who provides a left-arm spin option as well.
Also Read- CSK vs RCB: Head-to-Head Record at Chennai – CSK Dominates, RCB Struggles
Will Bhuvneshwar Kumar Make It to the Playing XI?
RCB will be closely monitoring the fitness of fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who missed the opening match against Kolkata Knight Riders due to injury. If fit, he is likely to replace Rasikh Salam in the playing XI.
CSK Keeping an Eye on Matheesha Pathirana’s Fitness
On the other hand, Chennai will hope for a stronger middle-order performance after Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, and Sam Curran failed to make an impact in the previous match against Mumbai Indians. They will need better support from Rachin Ravindra and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, while fans will also look forward to another impactful innings from MS Dhoni. The team will also assess the fitness of their key fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who missed the last game. If he recovers in time, he could replace Nathan Ellis in the XI.
Predicted Playing XIs
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, MS Dhoni (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis/Matheesha Pathirana, and Khaleel Ahmed.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt (wicketkeeper), Rajat Patidar (captain), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David/Jacob Bethell, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar Salam/Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, and Yash Dayal.
