The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in match 52 of the ongoing IPL 2025 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on Saturday, May 3. The stakes are high for RCB, who are gunning for a top-two finish, while CSK will play for pride after an underwhelming season.
Match Details
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Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings, Match 52, IPL 2025
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Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
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Date & Time: Saturday, May 3, 7:30 PM (IST)
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Live Broadcast: JioStar Network
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Live Streaming: JioHotstar (App and Website)
Team Overview
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB has been one of the most consistent sides this season. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, they have registered 7 wins in 10 games and currently sit at second place with 14 points. Their recent form has been impressive, coming into this clash on the back of three consecutive wins. With a balanced squad featuring big names and impactful domestic players, RCB will look to strengthen their position in the top half of the table.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
On the other hand, the 5-time champions CSK have endured one of their worst seasons in IPL history. With only two wins in eight games, the Yellow Army became the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs race. A weak top order, an ageing core, and inconsistent bowling performances have cost them dearly. However, with no pressure on their shoulders, CSK could still prove to be party-spoilers in the games ahead.
Head-to-Head Record
In 34 meetings between these two IPL giants:
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CSK wins: 21
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RCB wins: 12
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No Result: 1
The last time they met in the tournament, RCB defeated CSK by a commanding 50-run margin at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium.
Probable Playing XIs
RCB XI:
Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal
Impact Player: Devdutt Padikkal
CSK XI:
Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, MS Dhoni (wk/c), Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana
Impact Player: Anshul Kamboj
Key Players to Watch
Virat Kohli (RCB)
Kohli has been in sublime form this season with 443 runs in 10 matches. His consistency at the top and experience in big games make him the biggest threat to CSK. He’s scored six fifties this season, with three in his last three innings.
Krunal Pandya (RCB)
A surprise package for RCB this season, Krunal has been effective with both ball and leadership on the field. With 13 wickets in 10 matches and a solid economy rate, he could exploit the spinner-friendly surface at the Chinnaswamy.
MS Dhoni (CSK)
Though CSK are out of the playoff race, fans will keep an eye on MS Dhoni, whose leadership and game awareness can still turn games. His calm presence behind the stumps and experience in death overs could be valuable.
Pitch Report – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
The Bengaluru track is known for high-scoring games, but this season it has shown support for spinners too. The surface slows down as the match progresses, helping spin bowlers grip the ball better. Teams winning the toss are likely to bowl first, given the batting becomes easier under lights and dew could play a role.
Possible Match Scenarios & Predictions
Scenario 1 – RCB Bowl First
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CSK Powerplay Score: 40–50
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CSK Total: 170–180
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Winner: RCB to chase down the target comfortably
Scenario 2 – CSK Bowl First
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RCB Powerplay Score: 60–70
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RCB Total: 200–210
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Winner: RCB to defend the total successfully
Match Prediction
Given the form, momentum, and balance of the squad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the clear favourites to win this clash. While Chennai might fight hard with a nothing-to-lose mindset, RCB’s form and hunger to finish in the top two gives them the upper hand.
Prediction: Royal Challengers Bengaluru to win