3 Weaknesses Of CSK That Virat Kohli's RCB Can Expose In IPL 2025 Match 8

MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli [Source: @RcbianOfficial, @xtratimeindia/x.com]

The rivalry between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings writes a new chapter in IPL 2025, with memories of last year's dramatic encounter still fresh in fans' minds. In that pivotal clash, RCB snatched a last-over thriller against CSK, securing their playoff berth while dramatically ending the defending champions' campaign. Now, with both teams having opened their IPL 2025 accounts with victories, RCB has an opportunity to reassert their psychological advantage.

CSK's recent win against Mumbai Indians, while impressive on the scorecard, revealed several exploitable weaknesses beneath the surface. For RCB, who dominated Kolkata Knight Riders in their opener, these vulnerabilities present a golden opportunity to continue their winning momentum and perhaps inflict another defining defeat on their southern rivals.

1. Middle Order Fragility

CSK's batting showed heavy reliance on their top order, with Rachin Ravindra (65) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (53) carrying the bulk of the scoring load. Once these two departed, the middle order crumbled with Jadeja managing only 17 runs, while Dube (9), Curran (4), and even MS Dhoni (0) failed to make meaningful contributions.

How RCB Can Take Advtange Of This CSK Weakness - 

• Deploy Josh Hazlewood (2/22 in Match 1) early to target CSK's openers
• Use Krunal Pandya's (3/29) left-arm spin to trouble the middle order
• Bowl Yash Dayal to create difficult angles for CSK's right-handed middle order
• Focus bowling resources on dismissing Ravindra and Gaikwad quickly

2. Bowling Economy Issues

While Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed delivered strong performances, a closer look at phase-wise bowling reveals significant vulnerabilities:

This phase analysis reveals clear weaknesses: Ashwin's vulnerability in the powerplay (14.00), Khaleel's death overs problems (13.00), and Sam Curran's expensive powerplay bowling (13.00).

How RCB Can Take Advtange Of These CSK Weaknesses - 

Powerplay Targeting:

• Phil Salt to attack Ashwin and Curran in the powerplay
• Utilize Virat Kohli's expertise against spin to capitalize on Ashwin's powerplay vulnerability
• Preserve wickets against Khaleel who is economical (5.05) during this phase

Middle Overs Management:

• Take calculated risks against Jadeja (7.00 economy) while respecting Noor Ahmad's threat (4.57 economy)
• Deploy Rajat Patidar (SR: 212.50) during middle overs to maintain momentum
• Use right-handed batters again Noor Ahmad's left-arm wrist spin

Death Overs Acceleration:

• Target Khaleel Ahmed's death bowling weakness with finishers like Liam Livingstone 
• Position power-hitters to face Nathan Ellis
• Be cautious against Noor Ahmad who is exceptional at the death

Over-reliance on Key Bowlers

CSK's bowling attack was heavily dependent on just two bowlers—Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed—who claimed 7 of their 9 wickets. This two-dimensional attack can be neutralized with proper planning and execution.

How RCB Can Take Advtange Of These CSK Weaknesses - 

• Preserve right-handed batters for Noor Ahmad's overs
• Implement conservative batting during Noor and Khaleel's spells
• Accelerate scoring against other bowlers to build pressure on CSK's captain
• Execute calculated risks against the supporting bowlers rather than main wicket-takers

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