It is not often that Chennai Super Kings visits Royal Challengers Bengaluru with the stakes this low. Last May at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the famed rivals were locked in a direct battle for the last available Indian Premier League playoffs spot.
But come Saturday, all that is left for the already-eliminated M.S. Dhoni & Co. is the search for some signs of life after being deflated and dead for most of the season.
In contrast, RCB will have a spring in its step. It is sitting pretty in the top half of the table and is coming into the game after winning three on the bounce. Another victory – its eighth this edition – will help the side take a giant stride towards playoffs qualification.
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Rajat Patidar’s men will certainly fancy their chances. Powered by Virat Kohli’s consistency, Krunal Pandya’s all-round prowess and Josh Hazlewood’s nous, they have been clinical, especially on the road. And just over a week ago, they notched their first win at home after having lost three consecutively.
Toss has played a significant role in Bengaluru in 2025, with teams batting second, finding it a tad easier. Saturday’s forecast is for rain, which can make things tricky. Swashbuckling opener Phil Salt’s availability is still under a cloud. But these are challenges RCB would want to take head-on as it seeks to burnish its credentials as a champion outfit.
The visitor, meanwhile, will look for a few green shoots in what has been a dismal campaign. The Garden City will give it a respite from the unrelenting heat back home. A cool performance will further relieve parched throats.
