Credit: IPL
Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Shane Watson has delivered a warning to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), ahead of their crucial game against CSK in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 28. RCB performed terrifically in the opening match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) played at the iconic Eden Gardens on March 22. The Challengers outclassed defending champions in all departments of the game and emerged victorious by seven wickets. Against Chennai, RCB’s record isn’t great and they will need to be cautious against the Yellow Army, who hold an upper hand over their South Indian rivals.
Ahead of the massive contest, Watson has issued a warning to RCB to stay wary of CSK’s spin-bowling trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad. Former Australia all-rounder remarked that the CSK spinners can pose a tough challenge for Bengaluru batters on Chepauk’s turning turf. He also feels the visitors need to form the playing XI according to Chepauk's conditions. "It's going to be a huge challenge for RCB to go to Chepauk, especially given the quality of bowlers CSK have at their disposal. RCB will likely need to adjust their team composition to counter CSK's strengths. But make no mistake Chepauk is a fortress," said Watson in a conversation with JioHotstar.
RCB have only one game at Chepauk in their IPL history
RCB won their only match against Chennai at Chepauk in 2008. In the maiden IPL edition, Bengaluru clinched a 14-run win against CSK, under Rahul Dravid’s captaincy, Following that victory, the Challengers never tasted success in the Yellow Army’s backyard.
Chennai played magnificently against Mumbai Indians (MI) in their opening IPL 2025 clash at home, to win the game by four wickets. Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad, who was making his CSK debut, shone with the ball and grabbed a four-wicket haul. The Afghan bowler’s performance (4/18 in four overs) also got him the player of the match (POTM) award.
