CSK vs RCB Highlights, IPL 2025: Dhoni's cameo in vain as Royal Challengers Bengaluru register first win at Chepauk since 2008
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  • CSK vs RCB Highlights, IPL 2025: Dhoni's cameo in vain as Royal Challengers Bengaluru register first win at Chepauk since 2008
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Apr 24, 2025, 18:20:09 IST
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CSK vs RCB Highlights, IPL 2025: Dhoni's cameo in vain as Royal Challengers Bengaluru register first win at Chepauk since 2008

CSK vs RCB Live Score, IPL 2025: Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and chose to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday, with CSK bringing in Matheesha Pathirana for Nathan Ellis and RCB replacing Rasikh Salam Dar with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, both teams coming off opening-match victories.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face a formidable challenge as they aim to break a 17-year drought against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday.

The odds are stacked against RCB, who have only managed a single victory against CSK at Chepauk, dating back to the inaugural IPL season in 2008.

The Chepauk pitch is renowned for its spin-friendly nature, playing perfectly into CSK's strengths.

The return of Ravichandran Ashwin bolsters their spin attack, joining forces with the ever-reliable Ravindra Jadeja and the promising Afghan spinner, Noor Ahmad.

This trio showcased their potency against Mumbai Indians, restricting them to 70 runs for five wickets in 11 overs.

Rajat Patidar-led RCB's batting unit, spearheaded by Virat Kohli, will need to display exceptional skill and adaptability to counter CSK's spin threat.

While Kohli has demonstrated significant improvement against spin in recent times, particularly through his increased use of sweeps and slog sweeps, he cannot shoulder the responsibility alone.

The likes of Phil Salt, Krunal Pandya, and Tim David will need to contribute significantly for RCB to post a competitive total.

The Chepauk pitch might prompt RCB to consider tactical changes in their lineup. The inclusion of left-arm spinner Jacob Bethell could provide an additional spin option, potentially replacing an overseas batsman.

The fitness of Bhuvneshwar Kumar will also be a key factor, with the experienced pacer likely to replace Rasikh Salam if deemed fit.

CSK Playing XI: Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed.

RCB Playing XI: Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal.


CSK vs RCB Squads

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Ravichandran Ashwin, Devon Conway, Syed Khaleel Ahmed, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Sam Curran, Shaik Rashid, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary, Deepak Hooda, Gurjanpreet Singh, Nathan Ellis, Jamie Overton, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishnan Ghosh, Shreyas Gopal, Vansh Bedi, Andre Siddarth.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Salam, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethel, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee.

Match starts at 7.30 PM.
19:40 (IST) Mar 28
IPL Live Score: CSK take review but Kohli survives
Drama early in the over as Khaleel Ahmed raps Virat Kohli on the pads, triggering a loud appeal and an enthusiastic celebration. MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad decide to review, convinced it's out. However, replays confirm that the ball pitched outside leg, and Kohli survives. Chennai lose a review, and the decision remains Not Out!

RCB 25/0 in 2.1 overs
19:37 (IST) Mar 28
CSK vs RCB IPL Live Score: Ashwin in the attack, leaks 16 runs!
Phil Salt takes full advantage of a loose start from the veteran spinner, smashing a six over backward square leg off a short carrom ball and following it up with a crisp four through extra cover. After rotating the strike, Virat Kohli faces his first delivery to a loud cheer but manages just a single off the next. Salt finishes the over in style with another boundary to fine leg, continuing his aggressive approach. Salt is on 24 (10), Kohli on 1 (2), and RCB are off to a flying start.

RCB 25/0 in 2 overs
19:35 (IST) Mar 28
CSK vs RCB IPL Live Score: 9 runs off the first over
RCB start their innings with 9 runs off the first over, as Phil Salt gets off the mark in an eventful sequence against Khaleel Ahmed. The over begins with three dot balls, including a play-and-miss and a short ball that cramps Salt for room. However, the English batter finds his rhythm with back-to-back boundaries -- one an edged slice over the slip cordon and the other a well-timed cut over backward point. He finishes the over with a single to square leg.

RCB 9/0 in 1 over
19:31 (IST) Mar 28
CSK vs RCB IPL Live Score: Let's play!
Phil Salt and Virat Kohli take their positions at the crease, with Salt on strike as Khaleel Ahmed prepares to deliver the first over.
19:19 (IST) Mar 28

Really excited and it's probably one of the biggest games in the IPL. Exciting to get out there and play, should be a great game. I have really enjoyed my time with RCB. The coaches have been brilliant. I have worked with Andy (Flower) before with the England Lions and DK has been brilliant. I just promised Andy and DK that I'll leave this tournament a better player than what I was at the start of it and hopefully results will take care of themselves. I am certainly looking forward to bowling here more than at the Chinnaswamy. I love being able to impact the game with the ball and hopefully I get an opportunity to do that tonight. Hopefully there's a bit of grip in the pitch. Hopefully I can contribute to the team winning a game of cricket tonight. I have really enjoyed my time here, we've only been here two weeks but it's a great environment, we've got a lot of skill with the camp and everyone seems to be enjoying each other's company. It's a really relaxed environment. Hopefully we can keep on winning games of cricket, that obviously helps.

Liam Livingstone, RCB all-rounder

19:18 (IST) Mar 28
Poll
Who do you think will score more runs today?
19:13 (IST) Mar 28
IPL Live Score: Impact substitutes for both the teams

  • Chennai Super Kings Impact Subs: Shivam Dube, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Vijay Shankar, Jamie Overton, Shaik Rasheed
  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru Impact Subs: Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar Salam, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, Manoj Bhandage

19:07 (IST) Mar 28
IPL Live Score: Pitch Report from Danny Morrison and Matthew Hayden
"We are one pitch over from the other night on Sunday. So the dimensions have slightly changed - 70m and 63m square boundaries, 74m back downtown. It (pitch) does look really good. I was here last night and one of the things that I really noticed about this wicket is as the evening went on, I was here about 8 o'clock, there was quite a lot of dew, and what I was seeing in the surface was that these little patches here (around a good length) that haven't got a lot of grass on it, the ball was tending to grip a little bit. That'll be something that both captains will have to be aware of, considering the frontline spinners. And off-pace deliveries (for the pacers). It's not going to be a 200+ type wicket, no way. Tonight's going to be a battle of attrition. If you get 160-170, that's a bowl of rice. If you want some curry on the side of it as well, you want 185, somewhere around that."
19:05 (IST) Mar 28
CSK vs RCB IPL Live Score: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI)
Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal
19:05 (IST) Mar 28
CSK vs RCB IPL Live Score: Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI)
Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed
19:04 (IST) Mar 28

We had decided to bowl first. It will not make much difference, the surface looks hard, we will try to put up a total and keep them under pressure. The boys did well in the last game. We have to be at our best in every game and we will try to do that today also. The bowling unit after 13 overs.. the way they came back was amazing to see, the intent shown by the batting side was good to see. It is one of the biggest games in the league because of the fans it makes it fun and exciting. One change - Bhuvi comes in for Rasikh

Rajat Patidar, RCB captain

19:03 (IST) Mar 28

We are going to bowl first. I think it will play slightly better than the last game. So far there hasn't been any dew, we don't know when the dew will arrive and it is not in our control. There are areas; we were sitting behind in the field and would like to be more aggressive, batting wise we can be more clinical. We have just got one change - Pathirana comes back for Ellis.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK Captain

19:01 (IST) Mar 28
CSK vs RCB Live: Chennai Super Kings win toss, opt to field against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Chepauk
18:54 (IST) Mar 28
CSK vs RCB IPL Live Score: TOSS in a few minutes!
RCB’s poor record at Chepauk is no secret. To break the curse, they need a solid strategy and flawless execution. The biggest challenge will be tackling Ashwin, Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad on a spinning track. RCB’s batters must play aggressively but with smart shot selection.

If RCB are chasing, Virat Kohli’s experience will be crucial. His ability to absorb pressure and guide the innings could determine RCB’s fate. RCB’s bowlers need to exploit any weaknesses in CSK’s batting lineup. If Bhuvneshwar Kumar is fit, his experience could be vital in restricting CSK in the powerplay.

While CSK hold the advantage, RCB have the firepower to turn the tables. A bold approach and smart tactical decisions could finally help them break the Chepauk curse.
18:39 (IST) Mar 28
CSK vs RCB IPL Live Score: Conditions in Chennai
Chennai remains the slowest pitch among all IPL venues, posing a unique challenge for both batters and bowlers, particularly spinners. In the last match at Chepauk, Mumbai Indians struggled on the sluggish surface, allowing Chennai Super Kings to dictate terms with their experienced spin trio -- Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, and Noor Ahmad.

Their control over the game showcased how crucial spin is at this venue.

While RCB have their own spin options in Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, who could make an impact, the real battle will be CSK’s bowling attack against RCB’s top order. If Chennai’s spinners can dominate early, they could once again dictate the pace of the game and keep RCB on the back foot.
18:23 (IST) Mar 28
CSK vs RCB IPL Live Score: Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru head-to-head
Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have shared a long-standing rivalry in the IPL, having faced off 33 times in the tournament’s history. CSK have dominated the head-to-head battle with 21 wins, while RCB have managed just 11 victories, with one match ending without a result.

Their most recent clash saw RCB emerge victorious by 27 runs, but history heavily favors CSK, especially at their fortress -- MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk.

In fact, RCB’s only win at Chepauk came in 2008, during the inaugural IPL season. Since then, CSK have won 8 of the last 9 meetings at home, underlining their superiority in Chennai.

With conditions at Chepauk traditionally favoring CSK’s spin-heavy attack, RCB face a daunting challenge to break their 17-year winless streak at this venue. Will history repeat itself, or can RCB script a rare triumph on enemy turf?
18:12 (IST) Mar 28
IPL Live Score: Virat Kohli vs Ravichandran Ashwin – The Battle That Could Decide the Match
Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin have had some iconic battles over the years, especially in Test cricket. Now, their duel in T20 format at Chepauk could shape the outcome of this match. Kohli has worked hard to counter spinners, adding sweeps, slog sweeps, and better footwork to his game. However, Chepauk’s slow surface and Ashwin’s variations will truly test him.

Ashwin knows every inch of the Chepauk pitch. His ability to deceive batters with flight, drift, and turn makes him a nightmare for opposition teams. Both players know each other’s game inside out. Will Kohli take on Ashwin aggressively, or will he play cautiously and target other bowlers?

If Kohli dominates Ashwin, RCB’s chances improve significantly. But if Ashwin gets the better of Kohli early, CSK will have a massive advantage. Who will win this epic battle? We’ll find out today!
17:58 (IST) Mar 28
RCB vs CSK Live: RCB’s Roadmap to Victory Against CSK
RCB haven’t beaten CSK at the MA Chidambaram Stadium since 2008. Ending that 17-year drought will require a well-executed game plan. Virat Kohli is RCB’s most experienced batter and has improved his game against spin. His battle against Ashwin and Jadeja will be crucial in determining RCB’s success. RCB cannot rely solely on Kohli. Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, and Tim David must contribute significantly to give their team a fighting chance.

The conditions might push RCB to play an extra spinner. Bringing in Jacob Bethell and making a decision on Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s fitness will be key strategic moves. RCB must be prepared to play smart cricket, rotate strike against spinners, and target the right bowlers. If they can execute their plans to perfection, an upset could be on the cards.
17:50 (IST) Mar 28
CSK vs RCB IPL Live Score: MS Dhoni -- the one and only to feature in RCB's matchday poster
17:46 (IST) Mar 28
Poll
Who do you think will win tonight?
17:39 (IST) Mar 28
IPL Live Score: Squads for CSK vs RCB
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Ravichandran Ashwin, Devon Conway, Syed Khaleel Ahmed, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Sam Curran, Shaik Rashid, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary, Deepak Hooda, Gurjanpreet Singh, Nathan Ellis, Jamie Overton, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishnan Ghosh, Shreyas Gopal, Vansh Bedi, Andre Siddarth.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Salam, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethel, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee.
17:35 (IST) Mar 28
CSK vs RCB IPL Live Score: CSK’s Spin Arsenal vs RCB’s Power Hitters – Who Will Prevail?
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have built their home dominance on the strength of their spinners. The addition of Ravichandran Ashwin to an already strong lineup of Ravindra Jadeja and Noor Ahmad makes them even more dangerous on a turning track.

RCB have some big hitters in their lineup, but playing spin at Chepauk is a different challenge altogether. Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Rajat Patidar will have to use their footwork and innovative shots to counter CSK’s bowling attack.

Virat Kohli has worked hard to improve his game against spin, incorporating sweeps and reverse sweeps into his arsenal. His battle against Ashwin and Jadeja could be the defining contest of the match.

RCB might need to alter their playing XI to suit Chepauk’s conditions. Bringing in an extra spinner like Jacob Bethell could be a smart move, while the availability of Bhuvneshwar Kumar could give them an edge in the pace department.

With history and conditions favoring CSK, RCB must bring their A-game to secure a win. Will their power hitters prevail, or will CSK’s spinners spin a web once again?
17:30 (IST) Mar 28
IPL Live Score: CSK's match poster for today's encounter
17:22 (IST) Mar 28
CSK vs RCB IPL Live Score: Can RCB Finally Turn the Tables?
With the odds stacked against them, RCB will need a flawless performance to end their 17-year drought at Chepauk. Will this be the night they finally conquer CSK in their own backyard?
17:21 (IST) Mar 28
CSK vs RCB Live Score: The Key Battle -- Virat Kohli vs CSK’s Spinners
While Virat Kohli has improved against spin, especially with his use of sweeps and slog sweeps, he cannot take on the challenge alone. Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt, Krunal Pandya, and Tim David must step up to give RCB a chance of posting a competitive total.
17:20 (IST) Mar 28
CSK vs RCB Live: Chepauk's Spin Challenge Awaits RCB
The pitch in Chennai is tailor-made for spinners, and CSK’s bowling attack thrives in these conditions. With the return of Ravichandran Ashwin, alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Noor Ahmad, CSK has a formidable spin trio capable of dismantling any batting lineup. RCB’s batsmen will need to bring their best game to counter the threat.
17:19 (IST) Mar 28
CSK vs RCB IPL Live Score: A History of Struggles at Chepauk
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have always found it tough against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Their only victory at this venue dates back to the inaugural IPL 2008 season. Since then, Chepauk has been a fortress where CSK has dominated them time and again. Can RCB finally break the jinx this Friday?
17:19 (IST) Mar 28
IPL Live Score: Hello and welcome to TimesofIndia.com for Match 8 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru!
CSK vs RCB Live Score, IPL 2025: Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and chose to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their IPL encounter on Friday. Both teams are coming off victorious starts to their season.

CSK made one change to their lineup, bringing in Matheesha Pathirana to replace Nathan Ellis.

On the other hand, RCB opted for a change as well, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar coming in for Rasikh Salam Dar.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face an uphill battle as they look to end a 17-year winless streak against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday. With just one victory at Chepauk since 2008, RCB must overcome both history and conditions favoring the hosts.

CSK's spin trio -- Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad -- dominated against Mumbai Indians, restricting them to 70/5 in 11 overs. The spin-friendly Chepauk pitch gives them a further edge.

RCB’s batting, led by Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar, will need to counter CSK’s spinners effectively. Kohli has improved against spin, using sweeps and slog sweeps, but support from Phil Salt, Krunal Pandya, and Tim David will be crucial.

Tactically, RCB might bring in left-arm spinner Jacob Bethell for an overseas batsman. Meanwhile, the fitness of Bhuvneshwar Kumar remains a key concern—if available, he could replace Rasikh Salam to strengthen the bowling attack.

With history and conditions against them, RCB will need a near-perfect performance to pull off an upset at Chepauk.

Playing XIs:

Chennai Super Kings: Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal.


Also see: IPL Schedule| IPL Live Score