Key Points

CSK won the toss and chose to bowl first in the high-voltage IPL 2025 clash against RCB at Chepauk. Bhuvneshwar Kumar made his RCB debut replacing Rasik Salam while CSK brought in Pathirana for Ellis. Both captains admitted they preferred chasing but backed their teams to adapt. RCB aim to break their 17-year Chepauk jinx in this Southern Derby.

Key Points: CSK Bowl First as Bhuvi Returns for RCB in IPL 2025 Southern Derby

  • CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad opts to chase again
  • Bhuvneshwar Kumar replaces Rasik Salam for RCB
  • Both teams won their IPL 2025 openers
  • RCB seek first Chepauk win since 2008
2 min read

IPL 2025: Bhuvi comes in for RCB as CSK elect to bowl first in Southern Derby

CSK elect to bowl first against RCB in IPL 2025 clash as Bhuvneshwar Kumar replaces Rasik Salam. Both teams eye second straight win.

IPL 2025: Bhuvi comes in for RCB as CSK elect to bowl first in Southern Derby
"RCB vs CSK is one of the best games because of how fans support both teams – Rajat Patidar"

Chennai, March 28

Chennai Super Kings won the toss and elected to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 8 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the MA Chidambaram here on Friday.

Both teams made a change in their playing XI from the side that played their last match. CSK brought in Matheesha Pathirana in place of Nathan Ellis while RCB included the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar in place of Rasik Salam.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK captain said they are looking to chase once again. "Wicket will play slightly better than last game, looking to chase whatever the score is. So far, there has been no dew but you never know when it'll arrive. It's uncontrollable but we have planned better for it. We were slightly behind in the field, need to improve there."

RCB captain Rajat Patidar said they also wanted to bowl first but feels batting first would not make much difference. "We wanted to bowl but the surface looks hard, wouldn't have made a big difference. It's important to bring out the best every day, want to do that tonight also.

"The bowling unit showed courage last game after 13 tough overs, that was heartening. Openers showing intent was impressive too. RCB vs CSK is one of the best games because of how fans support both teams," said Patidar.

Both RCB and CSK come into the Southern Derby having won their opening games against Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians respectively. The former are looking to register their first win at this venue since 2008, the inaugral edition of the tournament.

Playing XIs:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (capt), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal

Chennai Super Kings: Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Deepak Hooda, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed

Impact Players:

RCB: Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh

CSK: Shivam Dube, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Vijay Shankar, Jamie Overton, Shaik Rasheed

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

A
Arjun K.
Bhuvi for RCB is a great move! His experience will help in death overs. But I'm worried about our middle order - hope Padikkal and Livingstone step up today. #WhistlePodu 🦁
P
Priya M.
Excited to see Pathirana back in yellow! His slingy action always troubles batters. CSK's bowling looks balanced with him and Khaleel opening. Let's go CSK! 💛
R
Rahul S.
Respectfully disagree with CSK's decision to bowl first. The pitch looks good and RCB has strong openers. Should've batted first and put pressure. Hope it doesn't backfire!
S
Sanjana P.
Can't wait to see Kohli vs CSK bowlers! Last time he scored big here. Also excited for the Dhoni magic behind the stumps. This is why IPL is the best! 🔥
V
Vikram J.
RCB's batting looks solid but their bowling still worries me. Bhuvi is a good addition but need Hazlewood to find his rhythm early. Hope we break the Chepauk jinx today!
M
Meena R.
Why no Dube in starting XI? He was brilliant last match! CSK management sometimes makes strange decisions. Still supporting my team though! #Yellove 💛

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50