The rich legacy and spin-heavy attack of CSK is strong at home vs RCB in IPL 2025. With a squad boasting top-class spinners like R. Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad, CSK’s spin attack could prove to be the deciding factor against an RCB batting lineup more comfortable against pace.
OVERVIEW: A RIVALRY STEEPED IN HISTORY
This fixture promises to deliver the excitement cricket fans crave, with two of the most followed teams in IPL history facing off. Representing two neighboring states—Tamil Nadu and Karnataka—CSK and RCB have captivated fans with their passionate followings. These teams have become synonymous with their iconic leaders, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, both of whom have earned worship-like adoration from their respective fanbases.
However, when it comes to the cricketing rivalry, CSK holds a commanding edge over RCB. Out of 33 encounters, CSK has won 22, and RCB has managed only 11 victories, with a dismal 1-8 record in Chennai. The last time RCB triumphed at CSK's fortress was in 2008, the inaugural season of the IPL. The most recent match between the two sides saw RCB celebrate their playoff berth with an unsporting display, skipping handshakes after the win, adding fuel to an already intense rivalry.
Despite the one-sided nature of this contest, IPL fans are still drawn to the high-voltage drama these two teams generate, making CSK the overwhelming favorites when they play at home.
CSK’S SPIN TRIO KEY TO VICTORY
Chennai’s conditions are tailor-made for their spinners, and with the inclusion of Ashwin, Jadeja, and Noor, the spin department is poised to dictate the game. CSK’s spin riches were on full display in their thrilling chase of 156 in the previous match, and with RCB’s preference for pace-heavy conditions, the spin-friendly pitches in Chennai could be a massive challenge for the visitors.
RCB has worked hard to build a batting unit designed for high-scoring matches, evident in their successful chase of 175 in their season opener. However, the slower, turning tracks in Chennai will be a different test for RCB’s aggressive batters, who tend to fare better against pace.
TEAM NEWS AND LIKELY LINEUPS
While CSK has a reputation for relying on all-rounders, one player who could face scrutiny is Sam Curran, whose form has dipped recently. After a quiet start in IPL 2025, questions may arise regarding his spot in the team, especially considering the options available. Curran's underwhelming performance so far has limited his impact, with just one over bowled and only 4 runs scored off 9 balls. This could open the door for Matheesha Pathirana, although this would require MS Dhoni to bat at No. 7, a move CSK may be reluctant to make.
• CSK (PROBABLE XI):
- 1. Rachin Ravindra
- 2. Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain)
- 3. Rahul Tripathi
- 4. Deepak Hooda
- 5. Shivam Dube
- 6. Sam Curran
- 7. Ravindra Jadeja
- 8. MS Dhoni (wk)
- 9. R. Ashwin
- 10. Nathan Ellis
- 11. Noor Ahmad
- 12. Khaleel Ahmed
On the other side, RCB may consider changes depending on the fitness of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who missed the previous match due to injury. The possibility of including a spinner like Mohit Rathee or Swapnil Singh is also being discussed if the pitch is expected to favor slow bowlers.
• RCB (PROBABLE XI):
- 1. Virat Kohli
- 2. Phil Salt
- 3. Rajat Patidar (captain)
- 4. Devdutt Padikkal/Mohit Rathee
- 5. Liam Livingstone
- 6. Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- 7. Tim David
- 8. Krunal Pandya
- 9. Rasikh Salam/Bhuvneshwar Kumar/Swapnil Singh
- 10. Josh Hazlewood
- 11. Yash Dayal
- 12. Suyash Sharma
KEY QUESTION: HOW WILL RCB TACKLE CSK’S SPINNERS?
The big question for RCB will be how their batters handle the combined threat of Noor, Ashwin, and Jadeja, who can bowl a total of 12 overs between them. In the past, Mumbai Indians (MI) struggled against them, only managing 70 runs in 11 overs. RCB captain Rajat Patidar will be central to their hopes, with the responsibility to anchor the innings and take on the spin-heavy attack. If he succeeds in neutralizing the spinners, it could allow RCB to capitalize on CSK’s vulnerabilities. However, if Patidar falls early, it could spell trouble for RCB.
IN FOCUS: NOOR AHMAD VS RAJAT PATIDAR
The duel between Noor Ahmad and Rajat Patidar could define the outcome of the match. Noor, who has impressed for CSK with his figures of 4-0-18-4 against Mumbai, will be a major threat to RCB's pace-hitting batters. If Patidar can manage to take on Noor's spin, it could shift the balance in RCB’s favor. However, if Patidar succumbs to Noor’s trickery, CSK could strangle RCB’s progress with their spin trio.
PITCH AND CONDITIONS: A SPIN-FAVORITE SURFACE
Chennai’s pitch typically assists spinners, and with CSK fielding a spin-heavy attack, the conditions are likely to favor them. The slow, turning tracks will make it difficult for RCB's batters, who are more accustomed to playing pace.
KEY STATS TO WATCH
- Ashwin vs Kohli: The battle between Ashwin and Kohli is one of IPL’s most intriguing subplots. Ashwin has dismissed Kohli only once in 147 balls, but Kohli’s strike rate against Ashwin is just 123.12, making it a fascinating encounter.
- Rachin Ravindra vs Left-arm Spin:
Despite being a left-handed batter, Ravindra has struggled against orthodox left-arm spin, with an average of just 11.63 and a strike rate of 120.75. This could make Krunal Pandya’s role vital for RCB.
