RCB vs CSK, IPL 2025 Match 52: Royal Challengers Bengaluru are surging with form and strategy while Chennai Super Kings struggle with inconsistency. Full match preview, team analysis, probable XIs, and tactical insights.
Match Preview – IPL 2025, Match 52
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Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings
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Date: May 3, 2025
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Time: 7:30 PM IST
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Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
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Weather: Light rain possible, but unlikely to affect the match significantly. Chasing might be preferred.
Bengaluru's Transformation: From Crisis to Control
One year ago, RCB were battling at the bottom of the table. In 2025, they are one of the most consistent sides with clearly defined roles and balanced performances. Under new leadership, RCB have transformed from chaos to clarity.
Strengths:
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A powerful top-order with Virat Kohli, Phil Salt or Jacob Bethell, and Devdutt Padikkal
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Middle-order muscle in Tim David and Romario Shepherd
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Effective spin pair of Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma
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Experienced pace with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood
RCB are currently aiming for a top-two finish. A win here would take them to 16 points and complete their first-ever league double over CSK.
Chennai’s Decline: Searching for Stability
CSK, once known for consistency, now resemble the struggling RCB of the past. With poor form, frequent team changes, and lack of rhythm, they have been knocked out of the playoffs.
Key Players:
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Dewald Brevis and Ayush Mhatre show promise
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MS Dhoni remains dangerous, especially at Chinnaswamy
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Curran, Jadeja, and Dube add balance but need to convert opportunities
The focus for CSK is now on identifying and investing in the next generation of players.
Head-to-Head Record
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Matches Played: 33
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CSK Wins: 21
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RCB Wins: 12
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RCB have won the last two encounters, including one at this venue in 2024
Tactical Insights
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CSK have lost the most wickets (12) to short balls in the PowerPlay this season. Josh Hazlewood could exploit this with his natural length.
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RCB spinners have taken 18 wickets at 8.06 economy in matches they’ve won, and just one wicket in matches lost.
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CSK’s left-handed trio – Curran, Jadeja, and Dube – struggle against spin, with strike rates over 100 but lacking fluency.
Predicted Playing XIs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
Phil Salt or Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (captain), Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma
Chennai Super Kings:
Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, MS Dhoni (captain and wicketkeeper), Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj
Key Stats and Facts
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MS Dhoni averages 81.5 and strikes at 181.11 in 13 IPL games at the Chinnaswamy Stadium
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Jitesh Sharma is among only five Indian batters with a strike rate above 150 across 100+ T20 innings
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Since 2024, only four 200+ scores have been posted at Chinnaswamy – two of them came in the 287-262 match between RCB and SRH
Quotes
Devdutt Padikkal (RCB):
“The last couple of years, I didn't have too much preparation leading into IPLs. This year, I got that opportunity and worked hard. Clarity helps, but execution is everything.”
Michael Hussey (CSK):
“We've made too many mistakes with bat, ball, and in the field. The results would likely have been the same regardless of venue.”
Final Word
This is more than just a clash between RCB and CSK. It's a symbolic shift of power. RCB are now stable, confident, and aiming for the top. CSK, once the benchmark, are looking inward and toward the future. For Bengaluru, a dominant win here can lay the foundation for a deep playoff run. For Chennai, it’s about rebuilding from the ground up.
