Exciting Southern Derby: RCB Faces CSK in Bengaluru Showdown

The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is set for an electrifying southern derby as Royal Challengers Bengaluru takes on Chennai Super Kings. With RCB aiming for the top spot and CSK looking for redemption, both teams are ready for a fierce battle. Chennai has opted to bowl first after winning the toss, while RCB has made a strategic change in their lineup. Captains MS Dhoni and Rajat Patidar share their insights on the match, emphasizing the importance of performance in the remaining games. Discover the playing XI and more in this exciting preview.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 3, 2025, 19:24 IST

Match Preview: RCB vs CSK

The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is set to host a thrilling encounter as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a much-anticipated southern derby. This marks the second meeting between the two teams this season, with RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, aiming for the top position in the standings, while CSK seeks to avenge their previous defeat. Both teams are prepared for an exhilarating match at RCB's home ground.

Toss Results and Team Changes

Chennai Super Kings won the toss and opted to bowl first. CSK has retained their lineup, while RCB has made a change, bringing in Lungi Ngidi to replace Josh Hazlewood.

Captain's Insights at the Toss

MS Dhoni:

"We are looking to bowl first. We want to make the most of the last four games we have got. Try to look into next year and which individual will fit into what role. Yes, we want to win games but getting the most of the four games is important. It seems tacky, must have been under covers for quite some time and other than that it is a venue where scoring runs is easy. It is a high-scoring venue and after the initial start, it will be quite good to bat on. It is important to express but the batters need to play to their strengths, if you are a bowler don't think what if the execution is not right, make a plan and bowl with full confidence. (Powerplay plans) Let it be plans Ravi Bhai (laughs). Same team."

Rajat Patidar:

"We would have fielded as well. But the wicket will not change that much. We will try to put a good total on the board and keep them under pressure. Everyone is in a good frame of mind and doing their roles, as a captain I am very confident in my boys. Till now many players have performed for the team and that is a good sign. We have 4 games and we will try our best in all the games. Every game is important from now, we are not looking at qualification and we will try our best in all four games. One change - Ngidi comes in for Josh."

Playing XI for Both Teams

Playing XI of both teams:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal (Impact Subs: Suyash Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Swapnil Singh)

Chennai Super Kings: Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Deepak Hooda, MS Dhoni(w/c), Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Matheesha Pathirana (Impact Subs: Shivam Dube, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Jamie Overton)