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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to battle in Match 8 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The much-anticipated encounter is scheduled for Friday, March 28, at 7:30 PM (IST) and will be broadcast live on Sports18/Star Sports Network and JioHotstar.
CSK and RCB Enter the Match with Confidence
CSK enters the game after a thrilling four-wicket victory against Mumbai Indians. Star Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad dominated with figures of 4/18, while Khaleel Ahmed took three wickets, restricting Mumbai to 155/9. In response, Rachin Ravindra’s unbeaten 65 off 45 balls, along with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 53 off 26, led CSK to victory despite middle-order struggles.
RCB also started their season on a strong note, defeating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their season opener. KKR posted 174/8, with Ajinkya Rahane (56), Sunil Narine (44), and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (30) contributing. RCB’s Krunal Pandya (3 wickets) and Josh Hazlewood (2 wickets) ensured KKR fell short of a 200-run total. In response, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli built a formidable 95-run opening stand, with Kohli finishing unbeaten on 59 off 36 balls, securing a comfortable win for RCB.
Head-to-Head Record Favors CSK
Historically, CSK has dominated RCB, winning 21 out of their 33 encounters. RCB has won 11 times, while one match ended with no result. The last time these two teams faced off was on May 18, 2024.
RCB vs CSK day!#RCBvsCSK #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/IqKzcHkDBC
— Attitude Adjustment (@invincibleVirat) March 27, 2025
Match Day #RCBvsCSK 🔥
Samharam Thadyame 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nJvV6MDmHN
— Harsha Chowdary (@YapatiHarsha) March 28, 2025
Pitch and Weather Report
The Chepauk surface favors spinners, with slow and two-paced conditions making batting difficult. In IPL 2024, the average first-innings score was 170. Both teams will aim to keep the opposition below this mark and chase down the target. Weather conditions are expected to remain clear, with temperatures around 26°C-27°C.
Probable Playing XIs and Impact Players
Chennai Super Kings:
Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Khaleel Ahmed.
Impact Player: Rahul Tripathi
Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar Salam, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal.
Key Players to Watch
Best Batter: Virat Kohli
Kohli, who played a match-winning 59* in the previous game, remains a crucial player for RCB. He will look to continue his form and top the IPL 2025 Orange Cap tally.
Best Bowler: Noor Ahmad
Noor Ahmad’s four-wicket haul against Mumbai Indians earned him the Player of the Match award. The Afghan spinner will be a key weapon against RCB, especially against Kohli, who has struggled against quality spin.
Match Scenarios and Predictions
- Scenario 1: If CSK wins the toss and bowls first, RCB may score around 160-170, with CSK emerging victorious.
- Scenario 2: If RCB wins the toss and bowls first, CSK may post 170-180, with RCB likely to chase successfully.
(Disclaimer: Predictions are based on Crictracker analysis and expert instincts. Fans should consider key factors while making their predictions.)
ALSO READ: Why Has CSK Been Unbeatable Against RCB At MA Chidambaram Stadium Since 2008?
