Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the eighth match of IPL 2025 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 29 at 7:30 PM IST. With both teams coming off impressive wins in their opening games, this clash promises to be an exciting battle.
CSK made a strong statement in their opening match against Rajasthan Royals, securing a dominant 44-run victory. Ruturaj Gaikwad played a composed knock of 53, while Rachin Ravindra provided the fireworks with a quickfire 65, helping CSK post a formidable total. Their bowlers then stepped up, ensuring a convincing win.
On the other hand, RCB began their campaign with an emphatic seven-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders. Philip Salt gave them a flying start with a fluent 56, while Virat Kohli anchored the chase with an unbeaten 59, guiding his team home comfortably.
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With both sides brimming with confidence, this match is set to be a thrilling contest. CSK’s strong home record and spin-friendly conditions might give them an edge, but RCB’s batting firepower, led by Kohli, will be a key factor in this highly anticipated encounter.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Matheesha Pathirana was not part of the squad against Mumbai Indians, and head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that while he is “progressing well” from an unspecified injury, he is unlikely to feature in the upcoming game.
Ravichandran Ashwin could be a key weapon against RCB captain Rajat Patidar, who is their best player of spin. Ashwin has dismissed him twice in 25 deliveries while maintaining an economy of under six runs per over. His battle with Patidar could play a crucial role in the middle overs.
Probable XII: Rahul Tripathi, Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Nathan Ellis, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar missed the season opener due to an unspecified injury but has been bowling in practice. Dinesh Karthik mentioned that Bhuvneshwar bowled two days before the game and had another session on match eve, though a final call on his availability will be made later.
Meanwhile, Shivam Dube has been a menace for RCB, scoring 234 runs at a strike rate of 158.11. RCB’s bowlers have often resorted to short-pitched deliveries against him with mixed results.
Probable XII: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma
Fanyasy XI Suggestion 1:
Phil Salt (vc), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Virat Kohli, Rachin Ravindra, Rajat Patidar, Ravindra Jadeja, Liam Livingstone, Ravichandran Ashwin, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Noor Ahmad
Fanyasy XI Suggestion 2:
Phil Salt, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Rachin Ravindra, Rajat Patidar, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood (vc), Noor Ahmad (c), Khaleel Ahmed
