For the second time this season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to face off in IPL 2025. However, this time, the teams are on opposite ends of the points table—RCB is on the verge of securing a playoff spot, while CSK has already been eliminated from the tournament. While RCB has enjoyed a successful campaign, CSK has struggled, becoming the first team to bow out this season. Despite their disappointing run, the match against Bengaluru will give CSK players a chance to salvage some pride and finish on a high.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Team Preview
Rajat Patidar and his RCB squad have finally found their rhythm, delivering a well-balanced performance with both bat and ball. After suffering a rain-affected loss to Punjab Kings at home, RCB bounced back with three consecutive victories, including one on home turf. A win against CSK on Saturday would propel them to the top of the table and virtually guarantee their playoff qualification. With momentum on their side, RCB is eyeing the title push with confidence.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Team Preview
The five-time IPL champions, CSK, have endured one of their worst seasons, failing to find consistency and ultimately becoming the first team to be eliminated. MS Dhoni and his team now have four matches left, where they’ll be playing purely for pride and redemption. Despite their struggles, Dewald Brevis’ emergence and Sam Curran’s return to form offer some positives. With their playoff hopes dashed, CSK will aim to string together a few wins and climb out of the bottom of the table, making their remaining games all about resilience and revival.
IPL 2025, Match 52: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Match Details
Date and Time: 2nd May, Friday, 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Live Streaming: JioHotstar (app & website)/ Star Sports Network
IPL 2025, Match 52: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Pitch Report
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is renowned for its batting-friendly conditions, making it a paradise for stroke-makers. With short boundaries and a true surface, batters find it easy to pile up big scores. However, the pitch offers some assistance to fast bowlers early on, allowing them to extract swing and seam movement in the initial overs. As the game progresses, though, the conditions tilt heavily in favor of the batters, making it increasingly difficult for bowlers to pick up wickets. By the second innings, chasing teams often enjoy a run-fest, turning matches into high-scoring thrillers.
IPL 2025, Match 52: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Weather Report
The 52nd match of IPL 2025 between RCB and CSK at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, is expected to have favorable cricketing conditions, but light rain could pose a challenge. With a 40% chance of rain, the match remains under the threat of a potential washout. The temperature is set to hover around 25°C, with 80% humidity, making for a humid and slightly damp evening that could influence gameplay.
IPL 2025, Match 52: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Toss Report
In the 99 IPL matches played at this ground, teams chasing have won 53 times, while teams batting first have secured 42 victories. These stats highlight that while chasing has had an edge, batting first remains a viable strategy, especially if a team can set a challenging total. Captains will need to assess pitch conditions carefully before making their toss decision.
IPL 2025, Match 52: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Team Analysis
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Strength
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been one of the most consistent teams in IPL 2025, thanks to their explosive batting lineup and strong pace attack. Virat Kohli and Phil Salt have provided stability at the top, ensuring solid starts, while Rajat Patidar’s aggressive stroke play has added firepower in the middle order. Their fast-bowling unit, led by Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, has been effective in both the powerplay and death overs, making it difficult for opponents to build momentum.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Weakness
RCB has struggled with middle-order inconsistency, often relying too heavily on their top three batters. If early wickets fall, the team finds it difficult to rebuild, exposing their lack of a reliable finisher. Their spin department has also been a concern, with Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma failing to provide consistent breakthroughs.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Strength
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have always been known for their strategic approach and experienced squad, and despite their struggles in IPL 2025, they still possess some key strengths. Their spin attack, featuring Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, and Noor Ahmad, remains one of the best in the league, especially on Chepauk’s turning tracks.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Weakness
Despite their strengths, CSK has struggled with inconsistency and lack of firepower in IPL 2025. Their pace attack lacks a reliable death-over specialist, making it difficult to contain opposition batters in the final overs. Injuries have also plagued their campaign, forcing MS Dhoni to return to captaincy, which has added pressure on the team.
IPL 2025, Match 52: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Key Players
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Virat Kohli: Kohli has been in exceptional form this season, proving once again why he remains one of the most consistent performers in the IPL. Representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Kohli has amassed 443 runs in 10 innings, maintaining an impressive average of 63.28 and a strike rate of nearly 139. Kohli’s 73 off 54 balls* against Punjab Kings was a masterclass in chasing under pressure, guiding RCB to a crucial victory. His ability to build partnerships and control the tempo of the innings has been invaluable.
Rajat Patidar: Patidar has stepped up as RCB’s captain, leading the team with tactical brilliance and solid batting performances. He has scored 222 runs in 9 matches at a strike rate of 148.99, proving to be a reliable middle-order batter. Patidar’s match-winning 54 against CSK was a turning point in RCB’s campaign, stabilizing the innings and setting up a comfortable chase. His ability to rotate strike and accelerate when needed has been crucial.
Josh Hazlewood: Hazlewood has been RCB’s pace spearhead, delivering match-winning spells throughout IPL 2025. He has picked up 16 wickets, making him one of the leading wicket-takers in the tournament. His 4/33 against Rajasthan Royals was a game-changer, where he bowled a stunning 19th over, conceding just one run and picking up two wickets to seal RCB’s first home win. Hazlewood’s ability to bowl under pressure and execute yorkers and slower deliveries will be vital for RCB in the playoffs.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Noor Ahmad: Noor has been a standout performer for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), providing crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs. He has picked up 14 wickets in 9 matches, proving to be a match-winner with his deceptive spin. His 4/18 against Gujarat Titans was a masterclass in spin bowling, dismantling their batting lineup and securing a crucial win for CSK.
Sam Curran: Curran has had a mixed season, but his recent performances have been outstanding. He has scored 992 runs in IPL history and has been a key contributor with both bat and ball. His 88 off 47 balls against Punjab Kings was a sensational knock, proving his ability to turn games around. With CSK out of the playoff race, Curran will be playing for pride, but his performances could shape CSK’s future plans.
Dewald Brevis: Brevis has been a late addition to CSK’s lineup but has already made an impact. In just two matches, he has scored 74 runs at a strike rate of 145.09, showing glimpses of his explosive batting. His 42 off 25 balls against SRH showcased his ability to accelerate in the middle overs, hitting three massive sixes. With MS Dhoni hinting at retaining Brevis for next season, his performances in the remaining matches will be crucial in proving his worth.
IPL 2025, Match 52: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Probable Playing XIs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) probable playing XI: Phil Salt/Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma (Impact Player).
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) probable playing XI: Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, MS Dhoni (c&wk), Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj (Impact Player).
IPL 2025, Match 52: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Head-to-Head Records
In their 34 encounters in the IPL so far, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have dominated the rivalry, securing 21 victories, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have managed to win 12 times. This head-to-head record highlights CSK’s historical edge over RCB, showcasing their ability to outperform their opponents in crucial clashes.
IPL 2025, Match 52: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Dream 11 Prediction
Wicket- Keepers – Phil Salt, MS Dhoni
Batters – Virat Kohli (c), Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Dewald Brevis
All-rounders – Krunal Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran (vc)
Bowlers – Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar
IPL 2025, Match 52: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Full Squad
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) full squad for IPL 2025: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Devdutt Padikkal, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Swapnil Singh, Lungi Ngidi, Philip Salt, Nuwan Thushara, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) full squad for IPL 2025: Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, MS Dhoni(w/c), Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana, Anshul Kamboj, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Jamie Overton, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Shreyas Gopal, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Andre Siddarth C, Vansh Bedi.
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