CSK vs RCB: Strategic Moves and Weather Concerns Loom Over IPL Clash

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni chose to field first against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), citing a “tacky” pitch at Chinnaswamy Stadium that he believed would favor batting as the evening progressed.

RCB’s captain, Rajat Patidar, remarked that they too would have preferred to pursue a target. In their lineup, RCB introduced Lungi Ngidi, making his franchise debut, in place of Josh Hazlewood. However, Patidar didn’t mention if Hazlewood’s absence was due to injury or merely a tactical decision.

Missing Josh Hazlewood is a considerable disadvantage for RCB; he has claimed 18 wickets in ten matches in IPL 2025, maintaining an economy rate of 8.44. Jacob Bethell remained in the squad, continuing in the absence of Phil Salt, who was sidelined from the previous game due to illness.

CSK made no changes to their lineup, meaning players like Vansh Bedi and C Andre Siddarth must wait longer for their IPL debut. Dhoni expressed that the team management sees the remaining four games as an opportunity for building towards IPL 2026. CSK was the first team to be eliminated from the IPL 2025 playoff race following their defeat against Punjab Kings at Chepauk.

A victory for RCB against CSK would elevate them to 16 points, making them the first team to reach this tally in the season. Currently, they’re in third place, trailing Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans who both have 14 points.

For RCB, wrist spinner Suyash Sharma may be introduced as an Impact substitute during their bowling phase in the second innings. Meanwhile, CSK plans to bring in Shivam Dube as their Impact substitute, likely replacing one of the bowlers when they bat.

The RCB vs CSK match in Bengaluru faces a potential rain threat, with the meteorological department predicting “rain or thundershowers in the afternoon or evening.” However, the weather was clear at the time of the toss.