Related Articles
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have turned a corner this season under the leadership of Rajat Patidar. After years of inconsistency and over-reliance on overseas players, RCB now boast a balanced squad with strong Indian core and an improved bowling attack. With Virat Kohli back in form and Devdutt Padikkal returning to his aggressive best, the batting lineup looks formidable.
On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the five-time champions, are going through one of their worst seasons. Despite having MS Dhoni at the helm, the team lacks direction, depth, and form. Their batting has been inconsistent, and the bowling hasn’t stepped up when needed. The lack of impactful performances from key players has hurt them badly.
With the match set to be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru — known for its high-scoring nature — both teams will look to post or chase big totals depending on the toss. However, given RCB’s current momentum and superior balance, they appear to have the edge heading into this clash.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | RCB vs CSK – IPL 2025, Match No. 52 |
| Date & Time | April 5, 2025 |
| Venue | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Toss Time | Expected around 7:00 PM IST |
| Weather Forecast | Light rain expected; temperature around 24°C |
| Pitch Report | High-scoring pitch, good for batting, some swing early on |
| Live Streaming | Disney+ Hotstar / JioCinema |
| TV Broadcast | Star Sports Network |
Team Previews
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Preview
RCB have finally found stability and structure in IPL 2025. Under Rajat Patidar’s leadership, the team is playing fearless cricket and has a clear strategy. Virat Kohli, after years of struggles in the tournament, has returned to form with crucial knocks, giving the side much-needed consistency at the top.
Devdutt Padikkal has also made a strong comeback, anchoring innings with his elegant strokeplay. Jacob Bethell adds aggression and control at the top, while Patidar himself ensures the middle overs don’t lose momentum. Krunal Pandya, Tim David, and Jitesh Sharma provide explosive firepower in the death overs.
Their bowling unit is arguably the strongest it’s ever been. Bhuvneshwar Kumar offers early breakthroughs with his swing, Josh Hazlewood provides pace and bounce, and Yash Dayal complements with clever variations. Suyash Sharma brings in spin options, making the attack well-rounded.
This balance gives RCB confidence against any opposition, especially a struggling CSK side that’s currently low on morale and form.
Chennai Super Kings Preview
CSK, once the most feared franchise in the IPL, are unrecognizable this season. MS Dhoni’s leadership remains respected, but the team lacks impact performers across departments. Their batting has been inconsistent, with openers failing to lay a foundation and middle-order batters not capitalizing on starts.
Sam Curran was the only standout performer recently, scoring quick runs and contributing with the ball. Ravindra Jadeja and Dewald Brevis have shown glimpses of potential, but not consistently enough to turn matches around. Deepak Hooda and Shivam Dube haven’t delivered as expected, adding pressure on the rest of the lineup.
In bowling, Khaleel Ahmed has struggled to maintain line and length, while Matheesha Pathirana, who used to be a reliable death bowler, has gone off form. Spinners like Noor Ahmad and Ravindra Jadeja haven’t provided enough control either.
The lack of form from senior players and poor auction decisions have left the squad thin and inexperienced. Against a strong RCB side, CSK will need someone to step up and deliver under pressure — something they’ve failed to do all season.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Team | Reason for Favouritism |
|---|---|
| RCB | Strong batting lineup, improved bowling, confident captaincy, and home advantage make RCB clear favorites. CSK’s poor form and lack of match-winners reduce their chances significantly. |
Fantasy Team XI (IPL 2025 – RCB vs CSK)
| Player Name | Team | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | RCB | Batsman |
| Jacob Bethell | RCB | Batsman |
| Rajat Patidar | RCB | Batsman |
| Sam Curran | CSK | All-rounder |
| Dewald Brevis | CSK | Batsman |
| Krunal Pandya | RCB | All-rounder |
| Jitesh Sharma | RCB | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | RCB | Bowler |
| Josh Hazlewood | RCB | Bowler |
| Yash Dayal | RCB | Bowler |
| Ravindra Jadeja | CSK | All-rounder |
Explanation:
This fantasy team is built around RCB’s strength — their batting and bowling. Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell offer solid opening returns. Rajat Patidar is consistent in the middle order. Krunal Pandya and Sam Curran bring all-round value. Jitesh Sharma is a reliable finisher and wicketkeeper. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood are strike bowlers, while Yash Dayal and Ravindra Jadeja add variety.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
| Player | Role | Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Batsman | Captain |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler | Vice-Captain |
Why?
- Virat Kohli is in red-hot form and plays at the top, giving him maximum opportunity to score big.
- Josh Hazlewood has been among the top wicket-takers this season and can pick up early breakthroughs.
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Team
| Player | Reason |
|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | Struggling with bat and decision-making; too risky for fantasy. |
| Khaleel Ahmed | Hasn’t picked up wickets consistently and often goes for runs. |
Squads Overview
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad (Full List):
- Virat Kohli
- Rajat Patidar (c)
- Jacob Bethell
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Krunal Pandya
- Tim David
- Romario Shepherd
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Yash Dayal
- Suyash Sharma
- Anuj Rawat
- Himanshu Sharma
- Akash Deep
Chennai Super Kings Squad (Full List):
- MS Dhoni (c & wk)
- Shaik Rasheed
- Ayush Mhatre
- Sam Curran
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Dewald Brevis
- Shivam Dube
- Deepak Hooda
- Noor Ahmad
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Anshul Kamboj
- Nishant Sindhu
- Tushar Deshpande
Probable Playing XI
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Chennai Super Kings |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Shaik Rasheed |
| Jacob Bethell | Ayush Mhatre |
| Rajat Patidar (c) | Sam Curran |
| Jitesh Sharma (wk) | Ravindra Jadeja |
| Tim David | Dewald Brevis |
| Krunal Pandya | Shivam Dube |
| Romario Shepherd | Deepak Hooda |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | MS Dhoni (c & wk) |
| Suyash Sharma | Noor Ahmad |
| Josh Hazlewood | Khaleel Ahmed |
| Yash Dayal | Matheesha Pathirana |
Pitch Report
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is known for being a batter-friendly track. It supports strokeplay, especially in the powerplay and death overs. While there is some movement early on for pacers, the pitch flattens out quickly, allowing batsmen to play their shots freely.
Spinners might find some turn later in the game, but generally, the surface assists fast bowlers more with bounce and carry. Teams batting first have won 3 out of the last 4 matches here, suggesting chasing may not be easy unless the target is below par.
Expected First Innings Score: 180–200
Preferred Option: Batting first
Toss Prediction
Given the pitch favors batting and the possibility of light rain interrupting the game, the toss could be delayed or even abandoned. However, if the toss happens:
- Winning the toss: Captain is likely to bat first to post a big total.
- Why? Because the dew later makes grip difficult for bowlers, and chasing under lights can be challenging.
Winner Prediction
| Team | Prediction Reason |
|---|---|
| RCB | Stronger overall squad, better form, motivated team, and home advantage. CSK are struggling mentally and technically. RCB should win comfortably. |
Final Verdict:
RCB are the clear favorites to win this match. They have momentum, a balanced squad, and a strong captain in Rajat Patidar. CSK, on the other hand, are battling a lack of confidence and form. A high-scoring encounter is expected at the Chinnaswamy, but RCB’s superior depth and execution should see them through.
PREDICTED WINNER: RCB
CricketPandith Match Prediction Package
Per Match Charges: 1000 Rs/Match
Monthly Package: 5000 Rs/Month (Unlimited Match)
All International/League Match Prediction Available
