CSK vs RCB – Playing 11, Toss Update & Match Prediction

Check out the playing XI, toss result, pitch report, and match prediction for today’s CSK vs RCB IPL 2025 clash. Stay updated with key match insights and expert analysis.

Both Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings have kicked off IPL 2025 in style. RCB made a statement by taking down the defending champions KKR in their opener, while CSK dominated Mumbai Indians in Chennai. Now, the two giants go head-to-head in what many call the "El Clasico" of the IPL. On one side, you have CSK – the most successful franchise in IPL history, a team that knows how to win titles. On the other, you have RCB – arguably the most popular team in the league. But still searching for that elusive first trophy after 17 attempts. Could this finally be their year? 

If RCB’s opening game was anything to go by, they certainly look like contenders. With Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt, Tim David, and Liam Livingstone in their ranks, they have one of the most explosive batting lineups in the competition. However, there's one major red flag – RCB haven’t won a game in Chennai since 2008, back when Rahul Dravid was their captain. And it’s not just history that’s against them. CSK are in red-hot form, and their spin attack looks lethal. With Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and the impressive Noor Ahmad in their ranks, their bowling unit is built to thrive on the slow, turning tracks of Chepauk. Noor, in particular, had a dream debut, picking up four wickets against MI. So, what can we expect from this clash? It’s shaping up to be an electrifying contest between RCB’s power-packed batting lineup and CSK’s world-class spin attack. 

CSK vs RCB Toss Update 

With Chepauk being a paradise for spinners, both teams wanted to bat first, as the dew factor would come in the second innings. Keeping that in mind, Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and chose to bowl first, putting the Rajat Patidar-led side immediately on the backfoot. 

CSK vs RCB Starting XI 

Both teams have a strong squad, and their Playing 11 is expected to feature some of the best names in world cricket. Here's a look at the possible lineups for CSK and RCB:  

Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Deepak Hooda, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Ravi Ashwin, Noor Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed 

Impact Subs: Shivam Dube, Vijay Shankar, Anshul Kamboj 

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazelwood, Yash Dayal 

Impact Subs: Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Romario Shepherd 

CSK vs RCB Match Prediction  

As both teams have solid squads, predicting a winner in today’s match is difficult, but here’s how it might unfold:   

Match Prediction: If history is anything to go by, there’s only one likely winner in this matchup – and it’s not RCB. The last time they won at Chepauk was way back in 2008, and unless something drastic changes, that painful streak could very well continue. One major concern for RCB is their lack of a solid spin attack. Sure, Krunal Pandya had a fantastic debut, but Suyash Sharma struggled against KKR. Compare that to CSK, who boast a dream spin trio in Noor Ahmad, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravi Ashwin—all of whom ran riot against Mumbai Indians. With the Chepauk pitch expected to favor spin once again, RCB’s task looks even tougher.