Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) host Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in Match 52 of IPL 2025. RCB vs CSK is one of the most talked-about matches in IPL because of the two fan bases. As players clash on the field, fans collide on social media. But this match is different. CSK are out of the playoff race while RCB are gunning for the top spot. In a way, the tables have turned. However, whether it’s MS Dhoni’s last match in Bengaluru or not, CSK are now wounded lions, ready to pounce. With RCB’s not-so-great record at home, it could turn out to be a mauling.
Match Details
- Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings, Match 52, IPL 2025
- Date: May 3, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- Broadcast: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar (app & website)
RCB vs CSK Match Preview
RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, are riding high with seven wins from 10 matches, placing them third on the points table with 14 points. Their earlier victory over CSK at Chepauk by 50 runs broke a 17-year jinx, boosting their confidence. Key players like Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Josh Hazlewood have been in top form, making RCB a formidable unit.
On the other hand, CSK, with Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out, have had a dismal season. CSK have won only two matches in 10 games, languishing at the bottom. Despite their elimination, CSK’s pride and players like MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja could make this a competitive clash.
Recent Form
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB have been in excellent form, winning four of their last five matches. Their batting has been consistent, with Kohli (443 runs in 10 matches) and Patidar delivering key knocks. Their bowling, led by Hazlewood (18 wickets in 10 matches), has been the most restrictive in the powerplay, with an economy of 8.4. A recent six-wicket loss to Delhi Capitals was a hiccup, but their overall momentum remains strong.
Chennai Super Kings
CSK have struggled, losing eight of their 10 games, including a three-match losing streak. Their batting has been inconsistent, with the worst batting average and strike rate in the tournament. Sam Curran (88 off 47 vs PBKS) and Dewald Brevis (42 off 25 vs SRH) have shown promise, but the team has lacked cohesion. Noor Ahmad (15 wickets) has been their standout bowler.
M Chinnaswamy Stadium Pitch Report
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is traditionally a batting paradise, with short boundaries and a fast outfield. However, in IPL 2025, the pitch has offered some assistance to bowlers. Seamers have found early movement due to moisture, while spinners get turn in the middle overs. The average first-innings score this season is around 179, with teams batting second favored due to dew, which makes chasing easier. Historically, teams chasing have won 53 of 97 matches at this venue, compared to 42 wins for teams batting first. Expect a high-scoring game, with captains likely preferring to bowl first if they win the toss.
CSK vs RCB Head-to-Head Records
- Total Matches: 34
- CSK Wins: 21
- RCB Wins: 12
- No Result: 1
- At M Chinnaswamy Stadium: CSK lead 7-4 in 11 matches.
- Recent Encounters: In their last six meetings since 2022, both teams have won three each. But, in the first leg of this fixture, RCB thrashed CSK by 50 runs to end a 17-year jinx at Chepauk.
Predicted Playing 11
Predicted RCB Playing XI
The explosive opener, Phil Salt, missed the last match because he was suffering from a fever. Jacob Bethell made his debut. However, if Salt is fit, he will return with Bethell back on the bench again. Other than that, RCB won’t make any changes.
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
Impact Player Options: Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Swapnil Singh
Predicted CSK Playing XI
CSK would need an overhaul in the Playing XI but they don’t have the backup players. With just four matches left, CSK could try out new faces like Andre Siddharth or Ramakrishna Ghosh or Vansh Bedi.
Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, MS Dhoni (c&wk), Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed
Impact Player Options: Anshul Kamboj, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Jamie Overton
RCB vs CSK Match Prediction
RCB hold the edge due to their superior form, balanced squad, and home advantage. Their batting depth, led by Kohli and Patidar, is well-suited to Chinnaswamy’s conditions, while their bowling, especially Hazlewood’s powerplay dominance, could exploit CSK’s fragile top order.
CSK’s spin-heavy attack, with Noor Ahmad and Jadeja, may pose challenges, but their batting has been too inconsistent to post or chase big totals. The dew factor and RCB’s chasing record (51 wins in 97 matches at Chinnaswamy) make them favorites if they bowl first. CSK could spring a surprise if Curran and Brevis fire, but RCB’s momentum and confidence give them a 70% chance of victory.
Predicted Winner: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
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