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

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

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 part of the season.

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

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.

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 up their first win at home after having lost three consecutively.

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

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 visitors, meanwhile, will look for a few green shoots in what has been a dismal campaign. The Garden City will give them respite from the unrelenting heat back home. A cool performance will further relieve parched throats.