The IPL 2025 season is heating up, and one of the most highly anticipated encounters is set to unfold as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 8 at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 28. The match, scheduled for 7:30 PM IST, promises high-octane action, with both teams coming off impressive victories in their opening games.
CSK and RCB share a storied rivalry, but history heavily favors the Chennai-based franchise. CSK have dominated RCB over the years, winning 21 out of their 31 meetings, including an eight-match unbeaten streak at Chepauk. RCB last tasted victory at this venue back in 2008, and they will be desperate to change that record this time around.
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With both teams looking to maintain their winning momentum, these key battles will be crucial in deciding the fate of this blockbuster encounter. With world-class players on both sides, several key matchups could define the outcome of this contest.
#1 Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Josh Hazlewood
CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad made a strong start to IPL 2025 with a brisk 53 off 26 balls against Mumbai Indians. However, he faces a stern challenge from RCB’s pace spearhead, Josh Hazlewood. The Australian quick, who previously played for CSK, knows the conditions well and has troubled Gaikwad in the past. In their two IPL encounters, Gaikwad has managed just nine runs at a strike rate of 64.28 while falling to Hazlewood once. The pacer’s ability to extract extra bounce and movement could pose a serious challenge for the CSK captain.
#2 Rajat Patidar vs Ravichandran Ashwin
Rajat Patidar has been one of RCB’s most promising batters, but his record against veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin suggests a potential struggle. In three IPL meetings, Patidar has scored just 24 runs at a modest strike rate of 96 while being dismissed twice. With Ashwin’s vast experience and ability to outthink batters, he will be a crucial weapon for CSK, especially in spin-friendly Chepauk conditions.
#3 Virat Kohli vs Ravindra Jadeja
Virat Kohli vs Ravindra Jadeja is another intriguing battle to watch. While Kohli has been a dominant force in the IPL, his numbers against Jadeja indicate that the left-arm spinner has managed to keep him in check. In 19 IPL innings, Kohli has scored 157 runs against Jadeja at an average of 52.33 but at a below-par strike rate of 108.27, falling to him three times. Given Chepauk’s spin-friendly nature, Gaikwad might deploy Jadeja early to counter Kohli, especially after the RCB star’s unbeaten 59* (36) in their opening win against KKR.
