Will IPL 2025 See RCB Secure a Playoff Spot as the Kohli-Dhoni Rivalry Shines?

Bengaluru, May 2 (NationPress) The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is well-known for its electrifying matches. This Saturday, as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru face off against Chennai Super Kings in Match 52 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, the stakes extend beyond mere qualifications and rankings.

The lasting legacy of two cricketing legends — Virat Kohli and M.S. Dhoni — may be on the verge of a climactic finale in IPL history.

From a practical standpoint, RCB has a compelling reason to win: a victory would bring them to 16 points, significantly boosting their chances of making it to the playoffs with three matches remaining. Meanwhile, for CSK, already eliminated from playoff contention, the focus shifts to restoring pride, avoiding last place, and concluding the season on a positive note.

Yet, overshadowing these stakes is the emotional and symbolic significance of the Kohli versus Dhoni storyline — possibly for the final time on an IPL platform.

Kohli approaches this showdown in stellar form, having recorded four half-centuries in his last five games, accumulating 443 runs and rising on the Orange Cap leaderboard. His current hot streak has been a crucial element of RCB's resurgence in the latter part of the season, and the franchise will look to him for yet another pivotal performance.

Fortunately for Bengaluru, Devdutt Padikkal is also finding his stride at No. 3, having scored two consecutive fifties, thereby easing some of the pressure off Kohli.

However, challenges persist within the RCB squad. Kohli’s opening partner, Phil Salt, has struggled with consistency, compelling the former captain to bear much of the early innings load.

Captain Rajat Patidar is also in search of form, with his last significant performance dating back seven matches. Nevertheless, against a CSK bowling lineup that has been largely unimpressive—aside from pacer Khaleel Ahmed and spinner Noor Ahmad—there exists a chance for these players to regain their form.

Conversely, CSK’s season has been characterized by inconsistency, particularly within their top order. Their batting has struggled to find stability, placing excessive reliance on their experienced finisher.

While Dhoni’s quick-fire 30s continue to excite fans, their impact has waned due to the inability of the top order to establish a solid foundation. For CSK to pose a challenge against RCB's disciplined bowling unit—featuring Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, and Suyash Sharma—the likes of Ayush Mhatre, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, and Sam Curran must elevate their game.

Dhoni, who has suggested that his participation in IPL 2026 is contingent on his physical fitness, remains the heart of the CSK team, even if his role has now shifted to that of a finisher and strategic leader.

Squads:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (capt), Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Lungi Ngidi, Liam Livingstone, Swapnil Singh, Manoj Bhandage, Rasikh Dar Salam, Nuwan Thushara, Jacob Bethell, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh.

Chennai Super Kings: MS Dhoni (capt, wk), Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Deepak Hooda, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana, Anshul Kamboj, R Ashwin, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Jamie Overton, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Shreyas Gopal, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, C Andre Siddarth, Vansh Bedi.