IPL 2025: CSK Playing XI vs RCB- Match 8

The five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) of the Indian Premier League (IPL), started their journey in the 2025 season with a nervy victory against the Mumbai Indians in their opening clash. They will now face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the second encounter at the same venue.

Ruturaj Gaikwad looked in fine touch in the fixture as he showed his clash for a fine and aggressive half-century. But still, their struggling middle order made the chase incredibly tough for the 2023 Super Kings before Rachin Ravindra nailed a six on the very first ball of the last over to carry them over the line.

IPL 2025: CSK Playing XI vs RCB- Match 8

Openers- Rahul Tripathi and Rachin Ravindra

When the franchise went for Rahul Tripathi in the mega auction, many reckoned that CSK would go with the Maharashtra batter as the number three. But in the opening game against Mumbai, he opened the innings with Ravindra.

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Tripathi was successful during his tenure with Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni for the Rising Pune Supergiants. But he struggled against the spinners last season. That could have led the Super Kings management to use him, at the powerplay, for the fiery knocks.

Ravindra stayed unbeaten in the four-wicket victory during the previous contest with the help of 65 runs in 45 balls, shouldering on two boundaries and four sixes at a strike rate of 144.44.

Middle order- Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, Sam Curran, MS Dhoni (wk.)

After the early wicket of Tripathi, CSK needed someone to crack the big shots around the park. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad shouldered the responsibility and drilled 53 runs in 26 deliveries at a strike rate of over 200, thanks to six boundaries and three sixes. He used his feet fabulously in the powerplay which will give him so much confidence for the CSK vs RCB clash.

But the entire middle order struggle. Apart from his six, Shivam Dube made just three runs in six balls before being caught into the hands of Tilak Verma. Deepak Hooda contributed with just three runs in five boundaries, while Sam Curran made a suicidal attempt on four runs.

Ravindra Jadeja looked quite scratchy for his 17 runs in 18 deliveries at a strike rate of 94.44, as he couldn’t take the singles comfortably. Most of the aged batters in the middle order will be a concern for CSK going into the clash against RCB, who is known for their big shots.

Bowlers: Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmed, Nathan Ellis, Khaleel Ahmed (Impact)

Khaleel Ahmed offered CSK the two early breakthroughs with the new ball to keep them ahead in the contest. Rohit Sharma flicked the leg-sided ball into the hands of Shivam Dube while Ryan Rickelton was played onto the stumps.

Ravichandran Ashwin provided the big scalp of Will Jacks. But the biggest trump card in the bowling department for them was Noor Ahmed, who finished with 4/18 in his four overs. MS Dhoni’s flashing stumping sent Suryakumar Yadav back into the hut while Tilak Verma adjusted his leg before the stumps.

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Robin Minz found Jadeja on the boundary line, while Naman Dhir’s sweep shot was undone by the Afghanistan spinner’s straight delivery. Nathan Ellis was decent in the death overs. Matheesha Pathirana’s absence in the game was a surprise to many, and CSK may look to replace him at the deep end of the tournament.

CSK Predicted Playing XI vs RCB- IPL 2025, Match 8

Rahul Tripathi, Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk.), Ravichandran Ashwin, Nathan Ellis, Noor Ahmed.

Impact Sub: Khaleel Ahmed