IPL 2025: RCB aim to fortify top standing as CSK play with nothing to lose

The resurgence of Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL edition has taken the season by storm. The comeback of the five-time champions has shaken the points table, making the tussle at the top animatedly interesting. Meanwhile, their counterparts with the joint most IPL trophies now sit unaffected by the heat in IPL 2025. With their defeat against Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings became the first team to be eliminated in the season. Rajasthan Royals followed them out of the IPL 2025 playoffs race with the massive defeat against Mumbai Indians at home. Now, both RR and CSK would play to pick themselves up from the bottom and wield their power to disrupt the contest for those still in contention. Meanwhile, the southern derby is set to come alive again as the now-eliminated CSK meet RCB at the Chinnaswamy.

RCB vs CSK IPL 2025 match: What's there to earn for the teams at Chinnaswamy?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have played impressively well in IPL 2025 so far. The team, led by Rajat Patidar, has a seamless streak in away fixtures, winning all seven in the season so far. Meanwhile, the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which played out of their favor, finally warmed up to the home team in the RCB vs RR IPL 2025 fixture. With the team seemingly having found the plan to tackle the conditions at home, the Challengers look the one to beat in the season now. Chennai Super Kings, however, come with nothing to lose. Already out of the IPL 2025 playoffs contention and placed at the bottom of the points table, there's little to no scope for the campaign to get worse from here.

Unlike the IPL 2024 RCB vs CSK match, where the only spot remaining in the Top 4 literally relied on the match, the upcoming match carries comparatively lighter stakes. For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the RCB vs CSK IPL 2025 match bears the opportunity to swiftly reclaim the top spot. Mumbai Indians extended their winning streak to six matches with their latest win in the RR vs MI match. The massive 100-run victory placed them at the top of the IPL 2025 points table with 14 points, dethroning RCB. 

Moreover, with MI clicking into their top form at just the right time, other teams in contention for a Top 2 finish in the IPL 2025 playoffs are now required to be on their toes. With 8 wins in 11 matches, RCB has already accumulated 14 points. However, PBKS, with 13 points, follow closely, fully prepared to fight for the top finish. Moreover, Gujarat Titans have 5 matches left at the league stage with optimum chances to break into the contest for a flying finish.

Only Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals have been eliminated so far. Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders have a steep hill ahead, but they have not fallen out of the race as of yet. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants remain in a position strong enough to lock a spot in the IPL 2025 playoffs. Thus, even though one of the most successful teams has been sidelined early this season, the tussle for the playoffs spot is as heated as it gets in IPL 2025. 

A rivalry to watch out for: Can CSK challenge the in-form RCB?

The RCB vs CSK clash has always boasted a unique significance, presenting a thrilling rivalry. The rivalry heated multifold last year when Royal Challengers Bengaluru stole the playoffs spot from Chennai Super Kings in a heated tussle at Chinnaswamy. The face-off between the arch-rivals was scheduled early in the season as RCB arrived at the Chepauk. However, the hopes of the home team to avenge their last season's defeat were dashed in the CSK vs RCB IPL 2025 match. The Challengers picked their first win at the venue, Chennai's fortress, in 17 long years, since the inaugural IPL season. 

While the season has progressed remarkably since the last time they met, the issues with the Chennai team are largely the same. The bowling attack is inconsistent while the batting order is consistently failing to take charge. RCB, meanwhile, recently found the only piece missing from their puzzle in IPL 2025, a win at home. Therefore, Bengaluru remain the favorites to win the RCB vs CSK IPL 2025 match and, in turn, claim the top spot on the points table back from Mumbai Indians.

However, CSK, though out of the competition, have made some late but effective changes to their lineup. The absent middle-order has gained significant weightage with the entry of Dewald Brevis. Moreover, the opening slot has the young Ayush Mhatre with the intent to use the powerplay like how it should be in modern T20 cricket. Meanwhile, the bowling department boasts Khaleel Ahmed, who has maintained a sublime form which has not wavered despite CSK's downward play in the season.

With the Chinnaswamy clearly not sporting batting-friendly conditions, CSK could bank on their template of play to challenge RCB. While CSK would not have much to pick from this match, there's a chance to finally leave the bottom spot on the IPL 2025 points table. Most importantly, there is an opportunity to overthrow the recent domination that RCB has found on them with two victories in their last two meet-ups.