The 8th match of IPL 2025 brings us one of the most intense and iconic rivalries in the history of the Indian Premier League – Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). It’s not just a game; it’s a clash of legacy, passion, and fan loyalty. From the sea of yellow at Chepauk to the chants of “RCB, RCB,” this match brings energy that’s unmatched. With both sides stacked with superstars and fresh strategies for IPL 2025, here’s your complete guide to this South Indian derby – schedule, venue, predicted XIs, fantasy tips, and much more.
The 8th match of IPL 2025 is scheduled as a prime-time evening game with massive anticipation around it.
| Details | Information |
| Match Number | Match 8 – IPL 2025 |
| Fixture | Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Date | March 28, 2025 |
| Day | Friday |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| TV Broadcast | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
🏟 Venue Overview: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Known as Chepauk, this is CSK’s fortress. The pitch is traditionally slow and helps spinners, especially in the second innings. The atmosphere here is electric, with yellow flags waving in every direction.
Chepauk T20 Venue Stats
| Parameter | Data |
| Stadium Capacity | ~38,000 |
| Average 1st Inn Score | 160-175 |
| Nature of Pitch | Spin-friendly, slow surface |
| Chasing Advantage | Moderate; dew plays a role |
| Home Advantage | Very strong for CSK |
🔥 CSK vs RCB: Head-to-Head Record
This rivalry has always been competitive, but CSK has historically dominated RCB in terms of head-to-head wins.
Head-to-Head Summary (till 2024)
| Teams | Matches | CSK Wins | RCB Wins | No Result |
| CSK vs RCB | 32 | 21 | 10 | 1 |
Chennai’s dominance, especially at home, makes them favorites historically, but RCB’s revamped squad is ready for a new chapter.
👥 Team Previews
🟡 Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Chennai Super Kings, under the watchful leadership of MS Dhoni (mentor) and new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, aim to continue their tradition of consistency and composure. With a team loaded with all-rounders, CSK is always dangerous at home.
🔑 Key Players:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad – New captain and top-order anchor.
- Shivam Dube – Big hitter and game-changer.
- Moeen Ali – Power-hitter and off-spinner.
- Matheesha Pathirana – CSK’s Malinga-style death bowler.
🧾 Predicted Playing XI – Chennai Super Kings
| Player Name | Role |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad (C) | Opener |
| Devon Conway | Opener (Overseas) |
| Moeen Ali | All-rounder (Overseas) |
| Shivam Dube | Middle-order Batsman |
| Ben Stokes | All-rounder (Overseas) |
| MS Dhoni (WK) | Wicketkeeper/Floater |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Spinner (Overseas) |
| Deepak Chahar | Swing Bowler |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Death Bowler (Overseas) |
| Tushar Deshpande | Medium Pacer |
🔴 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB comes into IPL 2025 with a refreshed identity, powerful batting lineup, and better-balanced bowling attack. With Faf du Plessis leading the charge and Virat Kohli at the top, the team looks dangerous on paper.
🔑 Key Players:
- Virat Kohli – RCB’s talisman and top-scorer.
- Faf du Plessis (C) – Leader and aggressive opener.
- Glenn Maxwell – Middle-order explosive hitter and off-spinner.
- Mohammed Siraj – Bowling spearhead with pace and accuracy.
🧾 Predicted Playing XI – Royal Challengers Bengaluru
| Player Name | Role |
| Faf du Plessis (C) | Opener (Overseas) |
| Virat Kohli | Opener |
| Rajat Patidar | Middle-order Batsman |
| Glenn Maxwell | All-rounder (Overseas) |
| Dinesh Karthik (WK) | Finisher/Wicketkeeper |
| Cameron Green | All-rounder (Overseas) |
| Mahipal Lomror | Batting All-rounder |
| Karn Sharma | Spinner |
| Reece Topley | Left-arm Pacer (Overseas) |
| Mohammed Siraj | Fast Bowler |
| Yash Dayal | Left-arm Medium Pacer |
🔍 Key Player Battles to Watch
| Battle | Why It’s Important |
| Kohli vs Chahar | Kohli’s cautious start vs Chahar’s swing |
| Maxwell vs Jadeja/Theekshana | Spin clash in the middle overs |
| Pathirana vs DK/Green | Death overs pace vs power-hitters |
| Faf vs Moeen Ali | Former CSK player against his old team |
🔮 Match Prediction
Both teams are stacked with match-winners, but Chennai’s home advantage and deep batting line-up give them a slight edge.
Predicted Winner:
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) win in a close finish.
🧠 Fantasy Cricket Tips
Pick your Dream11 and fantasy teams with a mix of reliable top-order batters, all-rounders, and death-over specialists.
| Category | Suggested Picks |
| Captain | Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad |
| Vice-Captain | Moeen Ali, Glenn Maxwell |
| Budget Picks | Tushar Deshpande, Rajat Patidar |
| Differentials | Theekshana, Karn Sharma |
📺 Where to Watch – CSK vs RCB IPL 2025
| Platform | Availability |
| TV Broadcast | Star Sports Network (India) |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar (Free in India) |
| UK | Sky Sports |
| USA | Willow TV |
| Australia | Fox Cricket |
🗣 Final Thoughts
The 8th match of IPL 2025 – Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru is more than a regular league fixture. It’s a cultural spectacle where legends face off, young guns rise, and millions tune in.With two of the biggest fanbases, historic rivalry, and superstar clashes, this CSK vs RCB battle will set the tone for the tournament’s energy and viewership. Whether you’re a loyal Whistle Podu supporter or chanting Ee Sala Cup Namde, this match promises edge-of-the-seat drama.