Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is a fixture that thrives on passion, history, and fan fervor. Two teams that command fiercely loyal supporters both at the stadium and online, they represent capital cities of neighboring states with deep-rooted rivalries—historical, political, and even cinematic. While Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have often found themselves at odds, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli have managed to unite fans across both states, despite neither hailing from there.
LIVE Cricket Score | CSK vs RCB Live Score, IPL 2025
CSK vs RCB: The Stakes and the Record
While this remains one of the most hyped rivalries in the IPL, the numbers tell a lopsided story. CSK have dominated, leading the head-to-head 22-11 overall and 8-1 in Chennai. RCB’s lone win at Chepauk came way back in 2008, the inaugural IPL season. The last time these two clashed, RCB’s exuberant celebrations after a crucial victory and playoff qualification led to some controversy, adding extra spice to this encounter.
CSK enter as favorites, especially in home conditions that have so far ignored the new high-scoring trend. Their spin-heavy attack of Noor Ahmad, Ravindra Jadeja, and R Ashwin suffocated Mumbai Indians in the last game, defending a modest 156. Meanwhile, RCB’s batting firepower was on full display in their clinical chase of 175 in their tournament opener. But can they adapt to Chennai’s tricky surface?
CSK vs RCB: New Loyalties, Familiar Faces
Josh Hazlewood is now back in RCB colors, but his most impactful IPL stint came with CSK in 2020 and 2021. His tournament has started on a strong note, picking up 2 for 22 in four overs. Will he have an edge against his former teammates?
CSK vs RCB: Team News and Probable XIs
CSK’s love for all-rounders is well-documented, but Sam Curran’s form remains a concern. His struggles with bat and ball could force a rethink, as his inclusion keeps Matheesha Pathirana out. A direct swap would push MS Dhoni to No. 7, which the team may be reluctant to do.
CSK vs RCB: Chennai Super Kings (probable XI)
- Rachin Ravindra
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt)
- Rahul Tripathi
- Deepak Hooda
- Shivam Dube
- Sam Curran
- Ravindra Jadeja
- MS Dhoni (wk)
- R Ashwin
- Nathan Ellis
- Noor Ahmad
- Khaleel Ahmed
For RCB, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s availability remains uncertain after missing the last game with a reported niggle. If the pitch is spin-friendly, they might consider bringing in leg-spinning all-rounder Mohit Rathee or left-arm spinner Swapnil Singh.
CSK vs RCB: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (probable XI)
- Virat Kohli
- Phil Salt
- Rajat Patidar (capt)
- Devdutt Padikkal/Mohit Rathee
- Liam Livingstone
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Tim David
- Krunal Pandya
- Rasikh Salam/Bhuvneshwar Kumar/Swapnil Singh
- Josh Hazlewood
- Yash Dayal
- Suyash Sharma
CSK vs RCB:Key Match-Up – Noor Ahmad vs Rajat Patidar
The way RCB’s batters handle CSK’s trio of Noor, Ashwin, and Jadeja could dictate the match. MI managed just 70 runs in 11 overs against them. Patidar’s ability to take on Noor could be decisive—if he dominates, he could force CSK to rethink their spin strategy. If he falls early, RCB could find themselves strangled.
CSK vs RCB: IPL Head-to-Head Record
Chennai Super Kings hold a dominant 21-11 lead over Royal Challengers Bangalore. Notably, RCB have lost their last eight matches in Chennai.
CSK vs RCB: Pitch and Weather Report
The Chepauk surface is likely to favor spinners while still rewarding well-timed shots. Humid conditions are expected, with a slight chance of dew. Teams winning the toss may prefer to bowl first for a strategic advantage.
Chepauk’s conditions continue to favor slower bowlers, making it a true stronghold for CSK. Expect turn, grip, and a tactical battle against RCB’s stroke-makers.
CSK vs RCB: Key Stats to Watch
- Ashwin vs Kohli: One dismissal in 147 balls, but Kohli’s strike rate is only 123.12. A battle of cricketing alphas.
- Rachin Ravindra vs left-arm orthodox spin: Despite being a left-hander, he averages just 11.63 against this type of bowling. Could Krunal Pandya exploit this weakness?
CSK vs RCB: Next Three Fixtures
CSK: RR (Guwahati), DC (home), PBKS (Mullanpur) RCB: GT (home), MI (Wankhede), DC (home)
It’s a blockbuster contest, one with history, rivalry, and emotions running high. Will CSK extend their dominance, or can RCB break their Chennai curse? The battle is set.