CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad expressed his excitement for the upcoming clash against RCB, highlighting Virat Kohli’s presence as a key factor.
Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is eagerly anticipating the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025. The game will feature two of the league’s biggest icons—MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli.
For Chennai, the match carries added significance after RCB dashed their playoff hopes in 2024 with a crucial win. However, history favors CSK, who have not lost to RCB at Chepauk since the inaugural 2008 season.
Gaikwad highlighted the excitement surrounding Kohli’s presence, acknowledging his consistent performances for RCB and India.
“They have done really well every year now. And whenever Virat Kohli is in the opposition, whenever he is playing, it is always a clash to look forward to. He’s been doing it for a really long time now, consistently for RCB and for the country as well. So, it is always a great match, and after Mumbai Indians, this is the second match we always look forward to,” Gaikwad said on JioHotstar.
Notably, Rajat Patidar leads RCB this season, taking over as captain ahead of IPL 2025. His leadership will be tested as the team aims to end a 17-year trophy drought.
“Really looking forward to playing against RCB, especially with Rajat (Patidar) as the new captain. Immediately when they announced Rajat as the captain, I messaged him and wished him good luck. We have been friends for a while now, we know each other really well, and obviously, RCB has been one of the strongest teams,” Gaikwad added.
CSK enters the match after a four-wicket win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in their IPL 2025 opener at Chepauk. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra guided CSK to a win with half-centuries. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) arrive with momentum after a dominant seven-wicket win against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the season opener at Eden Gardens.
