CSK vs RCB, IPL 2025: Decoding the key player battles
What's the story
Chennai Super Kings welcome Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) in Chennai for match number 8 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season on Friday.
CSK opened their campaign here with a win against Mumbai Indians.
RCB are travelling for the 2nd successive game. They beat KKR at Eden Gardens earlier.
Ahead of a crunch contest, here are player battles.
#1
R Ashwin vs Virat Kohli
Ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who returned to CSK after 10 years, will have his task cut out against RCB supremo Virat Kohli, who loves batting against the Yellow Army,
Over the years, Ashwin hasn't had much success against Kohli.
As per ESPNcricinfo, Kohli has smashed 179 IPL runs across 22 innings against Ashwin. He has been dismissed once.
Kohli's strike rate reads 123.44.
#2
Josh Hazlewood vs Ruturaj Gaikwad
RCB pacer Josh Hazlewood enjoyed a solid performance against KKR at Eden Gardens and would want to back himself to make inroads against CSK.
CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad also comes into this contest on the back of a fine fifty versus MI.
Across 2 innings, Hazlewood has dismissed Gaikwad once. The batter owns 9 runs from 14 balls in this duel (SR: 64.28).
#3
Noor Ahmad vs Rajat Patidar
CSK's left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad picked 4 wickets against MI at the Chepauk last Sunday.
The Afghan sensation would be keen to stop RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, who enjoys facing spin.
Noor's offerings will test someone like Patidar, who has been in tremendous form of late.
Across a solitary inning, Noor has bowled one ball to Patidar, conceding a single in the process.