In the IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are hoping to break their 17-year losing streak against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at their home ground match on Friday. RCB has only beaten CSK at the Chepauk Stadium once, and that was way back in 2008. Virat Kohli, the only player still in the team from that victory, will be looking to lead the team to another win.
Playing at home, CSK has the advantage of their spin-friendly pitch. Their team includes experienced spinners like Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and the new talent, Noor Ahmad, all of whom have been performing well, including in their recent match against Mumbai Indians.
RCB need to bring in spinners
For RCB to succeed, their batters need to be careful with their shots rather than just aiming for big hits against CSK’s spin bowlers. Kohli has gotten better at playing spin over the years, which will be important, but he’ll need the support of teammates like Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, and Jitesh Sharma.
RCB might think about bringing in lefty all-rounder Jacob Bethell for more spin support. He might make his debut today. Also, the team will keep an eye on Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s fitness before the match. Also, the team might go heavy on spin, so they might rope in Swapnil Singh in the XI as well. Suyash Sharma will play as an impact sub if RCB is batting first.
RCB predicted XI vs CSK
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Phil Salt | Batsman |
| Virat Kohli | Batsman |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Batsman |
| Rajat Patidar (c) | Batsman, Captain |
| Liam Livingstone | All-rounder |
| Jacob Bethell | All-rounder |
| Jitesh Sharma (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Krunal Pandya | All-rounder |
| Swapnil Singh | All-rounder |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler |
| Yash Dayal | Bowler |
RCB full squad
Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethel, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rather.
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