IPL | An RCB vs. CSK derby beckons with surprisingly low stakes

RCB’s Virat Kohli at a coaching session forward of the IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings on the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, in Bengaluru on May 02, 2025.
| Photo Credit: Ok. MURALI KUMAR

It shouldn’t be typically that Chennai Super Kings visits Royal Challengers Bengaluru with the stakes this low. Last May on the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the famed rivals had been locked in a direct battle for the final out there Indian Premier League playoffs spot.

But come Saturday, all that’s left for the already-eliminated M.S. Dhoni & Co. is the seek for some indicators of life after being deflated and lifeless for many a part of the season.

RCB’s Devdutt Padikkal at a coaching session forward of the IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings on the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, in Bengaluru on May 02, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
Ok. MURALI KUMAR

In distinction, RCB could have a spring in its step. It is sitting fairly within the high half of the desk and is coming into the sport after profitable three on the bounce. Another victory — its eighth this version — will assist the aspect take a large stride in direction of playoffs qualification.

Rajat Patidar’s males will definitely fancy their possibilities. Powered by Virat Kohli’s consistency, Krunal Pandya’s all-round prowess and Josh Hazlewood’s nous, they’ve been medical, particularly on the street. And simply over per week in the past, they notched up their first win at house after having misplaced three consecutively.

CSK’s batting coach Michael Hussey walks again after rain interrupts a coaching session forward of the IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings, on the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, in Bengaluru on May 02, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
Ok. MURALI KUMAR

Toss has performed a big function in Bengaluru in 2025 with groups batting second discovering it a tad simpler. Saturday’s forecast is for rain, which may make issues difficult. Swashbuckling opener Phil Salt’s availability continues to be beneath a cloud. But these are challenges RCB would wish to take head on because it seeks to burnish its credentials as a champion outfit.

The guests, in the meantime, will search for a number of inexperienced shoots in what has been a dismal marketing campaign. The Garden City will give them respite from the unrelenting warmth again house. A cool efficiency will additional relieve parched throats.