In an IPL 2025 fixture, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has opted to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on a pitch he described as “tacky,” expecting it to improve for batters later in the match. RCB’s captain, Rajat Patidar, echoed Dhoni’s sentiments, stating they too would have preferred to chase.
RCB have introduced Lungi Ngidi for his franchise debut, with Josh Hazlewood making way. Reasons for Hazlewood’s absence weren’t clarified by Patidar, though it’s quite the loss. With 18 wickets in ten games and an economy rate of 8.44, Hazlewood is RCB’s second-leading wicket-taker this season. Phil Salt continues to miss out due to illness, allowing Jacob Bethell to retain his place.
CSK remain unchanged, keeping newcomers Vansh Bedi and C Andre Siddarth waiting for their debuts. Having been eliminated from playoff contention following a loss to Punjab Kings, CSK are using their last matches to prepare for IPL 2026. Dhoni remarked that these remaining games are seen as opportunities for squad development.
Victory for RCB tonight would propel them to the top of the table with 16 points, moving ahead of Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, both tied with 14 points. Suyash Sharma might feature as an Impact substitution for RCB during the second innings, while CSK plan to possibly introduce Shivam Dube in place of a bowler when they chase.
The weather in Bengaluru poses a threat, with a possible downpour predicted to occur in the afternoon or evening, although it was clear during the toss.
RCB Line-up: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (captain), Romario Shepherd, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal
Impact Substitutions: Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Liam Livingstone, Swapnil Singh
CSK Line-up: Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Deepak Hooda, MS Dhoni (captain & wicketkeeper), Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana
Impact Substitutions: Shivam Dube, R Ashwin, Jamie Overton, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh
This contest is yet another chapter in the storied rivalry between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.
