CSK vs RCB Preview, IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru look to overcome Chennai Super Kings' one-sided dominance at Chepauk

NEW DELHI: 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.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.