Bhuvneshwar Kumar Back, Ace Pacer Dropped; RCB's Probable XI vs CSK

Debashis Sarangi

RCB will take on CSK in 2nd match [Source: AP]RCB will take on CSK in 2nd match [Source: AP]

On Friday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will cross swords against Chennai Super Kings in the eighth group-stage match of the ongoing Indian Premier League season. The high-octane clash is scheduled at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. 

Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB had a fabulous start to their IPL 2025 campaign, defeating KKR by seven wickets in the tournament opener. As they gear up for the riveting face-off against CSK, let's see what could be their playing combination for this game. 

RCB's XI In Last Match vs KKR

Before proceeding, let's have a look at RCB's playing XI for the opening encounter against KKR. 

Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (C), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Rasikh Salam, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma
Impact: Devdutt Padikkal

Expected Changes In RCB's XI

Ace speedster Bhuvneshwar Kumar didn't play the first match due to a minor injury. However, the seasoned campaigner has regained fitness and is raring to go against CSK. 

As per RCB's latest social media release, Bhuvneshwar will likely play the all-important affair at MA Chidambaram Stadium. If he returns, RCB will have to drop one seamer between Yash Dayal and Rasikh Salam. 

Both Dayal and Rasikh bagged one wicket each against KKR. However, Dayal had a much better economy, conceding 25 runs as compared to 35 by Rasikh Dar. 

Furthermore, Dayal is RCB's solitary left-arm pacer and they retained him as their only uncapped cricketer ahead of the mega auction. So, if it comes to keeping only one bowler between Dayal and Rasikh, the visitors will likely prefer the former.  

Why Could RCB Stick To Two-Spinner Strategy?

As the surface at MA Chidambaram Stadium will offer decent turn to the spinners, fans might think that RCB could bring an additional spinner to their lineup. 

However, it's worth mentioning that RCB had two potent frontline spin bowling options, Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya in their XI vs KKR. Furthermore, Liam Livingstone and Tim David can chip in with a few overs of spin bowling if the situation arises. 

So, Bhuvneshwar's swapping with Rasikh could be the solitary change in RCB's playing combination vs CSK. 

RCB's Probable XI vs CSK

Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (C), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma
Impact players: Devdutt Padikkal, Romario Shepherd, Swapnil Singh, Manoj Bhandage, Abhinandan Singh