IPL 2025: Bhuvneshwar Kumar Joins RCB as CSK Opts to Bowl First in Southern Derby

Synopsis

On March 28, 2025, the Chennai Super Kings won the toss and chose to bowl first against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL Match 8 at MA Chidambaram Stadium. Both teams made changes to their lineups, with CSK introducing Matheesha Pathirana and RCB adding Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Key Takeaways

CSK opted to bowl after winning the toss.
Ruturaj Gaikwad expressed confidence in chasing any target.
RCB made a strategic change by including Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Both teams come off victories from their previous matches.
The Southern Derby is known for its fan support.

Chennai, March 28 (NationPress) The Chennai Super Kings won the toss and opted to bowl first against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 8 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here on Friday.

Both franchises made alterations to their playing XI from the previous match. CSK introduced Matheesha Pathirana in place of Nathan Ellis, whereas RCB brought in the seasoned Bhuvneshwar Kumar instead of Rasik Salam.

Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad of CSK stated they aim to chase down the target once more. "The wicket should perform slightly better than the last game; we're prepared to chase whatever the score may be. So far, there's been no dew, but its arrival is unpredictable. We have strategized better for it. Our fielding was slightly lacking, and we need to enhance that aspect."

RCB's captain Rajat Patidar expressed a preference to bowl first but believes that batting first would not significantly impact the game. "We intended to bowl, but the surface appears hard; it wouldn't have made a substantial difference. It's vital to deliver our best every day, and we aim to do that tonight as well."

"Our bowling unit displayed resilience in the last game after 13 challenging overs, which was encouraging. The openers showed intent, which was impressive too. The clash between RCB and CSK is among the most thrilling due to the immense support from fans for both teams," commented Patidar.

Both RCB and CSK enter the Southern Derby having secured victories in their opening matches against Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians respectively. RCB is looking to achieve their first win at this venue since 2008, the inaugural season of the tournament.

Playing XIs:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (capt), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal

Chennai Super Kings: Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Deepak Hooda, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed