IPL 2026: Can struggling CSK challenge formidable RCB at Chinnaswamy?
What's the story
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their next Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match. The game will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on April 5. After winning their opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets, RCB will look to continue their winning streak. Meanwhile, CSK are hoping for a turnaround after losing their first two games. Here is the match preview.
Details
Pitch report and other details
The track at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium has been a batting paradise as batters can hit through the line, and the shorter dimensions also help their cause. Fast bowlers, however, can get some assistance with the new ball. Owing to the dew factor, the toss-winning skipper is likely to elect bowling. Meanwhile, the match, which will begin at 7:30pm IST, will be broadcast on JioStar Network Channels and live-streamed on JioHotstar (App & Website).
H2H
What is the head-to-head record?
In terms of the head-to-head record, CSK have won 21 of the 35 matches played against RCB, as per ESPNcricinfo. While 13 games landed in RCB's favor, one match got washed out. Though CSK dominate the overall record, RCB got the better of CSK in three of their last four outings. In Bengaluru, CSK have five wins and six defeats against the home side.
Team strength
RCB's batting and bowling in good form
RCB's batting line-up, led by Virat Kohli, has been in great form. Devdutt Padikkal's recent performance against SRH was a highlight as he scored a blistering 61 off just 26 balls. Rajat Patidar has also been instrumental in strengthening RCB's middle-order. The team's bowling attack has improved significantly with Jacob Duffy stepping up in Josh Hazlewood's absence and taking three wickets against SRH. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Romario Shepherd also bowled well in the game.
Team challenges
CSK's bowlers under pressure
CSK's bowlers have been underwhelming, conceding 338 runs in two matches. Their spinners Noor Ahmad and Rahul Chahar struggled against Punjab Kings, giving away 84 runs in eight overs. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson's form has been a concern for CSK as he has scored just six and seven runs in his first two matches. The team will be hoping for an improved performance from their bowlers and openers to turn things around against RCB.
LIne-ups
Here are the probable XIIs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Possible Playing XII: Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Philip Salt, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy, Suyash Sharma, Devdutt Padikkal. Chennai Super Kings Possible Playing XII: Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed, Rahul Chahar.
Performers
Here are the key performers
Kohli happens to be the highest run-getter versus CSK in IPL, having scored 1,146 at a fine average of 38.2. Duffy shone on his IPL debut, finishing with 3/22 from four overs. CSK's Ayush Mhatre produced a quality knock of 73 versus Punjab Kings. While Sarfaraz Khan scored a 12-ball 32 in the game, Shivam Dube remained unbeaten on 45 off 27 balls.