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The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to take on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the eighth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The match is scheduled to be held at the M.A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 28. With CSK historically performing well against RCB, winning 21 out of 33 encounters, they will look to maintain their dominance. On the other hand, RCB aims to narrow the gap with their 11 victories against CSK.

Pitch and Stadium Insights

M.A Chidambaram Stadium is known for its spin-friendly pitch, offering significant turn to the bowlers. The surface typically favors teams that bat first, looking to set a challenging total. The average first innings score at this venue is about 164 runs, highlighting the importance of a strong top-order performance.

Probable XIs for CSK and RCB

CSK’s lineup is set to be led by Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain, with key players including Rachin Ravindra, who recently scored a 65-run innings against the Mumbai Indians, and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who is expected to excel in these conditions. The complete probable XI for CSK comprises Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, and impact player Rahul Tripathi.

RCB, captained by Rajat Patidar, includes experienced talent like Virat Kohli and Philip Salt at the top of the order. The team will also rely on Krunal Pandya, who impressed with his three-wicket debut performance. The probable XI for RCB features Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar Salam, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, and impact player Devdutt Padikkal.

Key Players to Watch

Ravindra Jadeja stands out as a pivotal player for CSK with his dual ability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball. His potential impact in spin-friendly conditions cannot be understated. For RCB, Krunal Pandya is poised to take advantage of the spin support the pitch offers, aiming for another successful outing.

Fantasy Cricket Tips

For fantasy team selections, Rachin Ravindra could be a smart choice for captaincy given his recent form. Ravindra Jadeja, with his all-round capabilities, and Rajat Patidar, leading RCB and aiming for a stellar innings, are also prime candidates for selection as captain or vice-captain in fantasy lineups.

With both teams eager for victory, the clash at Chepauk promises to be a compelling encounter in IPL 2025.

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