IPL 2025 Match Preview: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings – A Southern Derby with High Stakes

March 28, 2025  Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai  

Time:7:30 PM IST

A Rivalry Steeped in History and Emotion

IPL2025: CSK Vs RCB

The first Southern Derby of IPL 2025 is set to ignite as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the spin-friendly Chepauk. This clash is more than just a game—it’s a battle of legacy, fan passion, and redemption. While CSK holds a dominant 21-11 head-to-head record, RCB’s dramatic win last season, which knocked CSK out of playoff contention, adds fresh fire to this encounter .  

Form Guide: Both Teams Start Strong

- CSK began their campaign with a clinical four-wicket win over Mumbai Indians, thanks to a spin-heavy attack (Noor Ahmad’s 4/18) and solid batting from Ruturaj Gaikwad (53) and Rachin Ravindra (65*) .  

- RCB chased down 175 comfortably against Kolkata Knight Riders, powered by Phil Salt (56) and Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 59. Krunal Pandya’s three-wicket haul highlighted their bowling strength .  

Key Battles to Watch  

1. Spin vs Pace: CSK’s trio—Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, and Noor Ahmad—will test RCB’s batters, who historically struggle against spin at Chepauk (RCB last won here in 2008) .  

2. Virat Kohli vs CSK’s Spinners:Kohli, who averages 37.6 against CSK, must counter Chepauk’s turning track with his improved sweep shots .  

3. Rajat Patidar’s Middle-Order Role:RCB’s captain is their best player of spin; his performance could dictate the match .  

Team News & Probable XIs 

- CSK may stick with their winning XI, though Sam Curran’s poor form (4 off 9, 1 over bowled) could prompt a change for Matheesha Pathirana if fit .  

- RCB might bring back Bhuvneshwar Kumar (if fit) for Yash Dayal to exploit CSK’s left-heavy batting - CSK Likely XI: Gaikwad (c), Ravindra, Tripathi, Dube, Hooda, Jadeja, Curran, Dhoni (wk), Ashwin, Noor, Ellis.  

Impact Sub: Khaleel Ahmed .  

RCB Likely XI: Kohli, Salt, Patidar (c), Livingstone, Jitesh (wk), David, Krunal, Rasikh, Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar, Suyash.  

Impact Sub: Devdutt Padikkal .  

Pitch & Conditions

Chepauk’s slow, grippy surface favors spinners, with dew possibly easing chase conditions. A first-innings score of 160-170 could be competitive.

Prediction 

History favors CSK (8-1 at home), but RCB’s power-hitters and Kohli’s form make this a tantalizing contest. If RCB survives the spin threat, they could break their 17-year Chennai jinx. However, CSK’s tactical mastery at Chepauk gives them the edge .