The 24th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 will see the Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore take on four-time champions Chennai Super Kings at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Monday, April 17. Chennai will be coming into the game with a loss they registered in the last match. Bangalore would like to capitalize on their win from their previous game. Let's jump into the Match Preview of the RCB vs CSK match.

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RCB vs CSK: Match Preview

Match Details

• Match: 24
• Date: 17/04/2023
• Time: 7:30 pm IST
• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
• Where to Watch: Star Sports, Jio Cinema

Venue Details | Pitch Report

The pitch at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is a belter of a track. The ball comes nicely onto the bat and the batters can hit through the line right from the start of their innings. We may expect the teams to decide to chase here as the surface stays true throughout the game. The temperature in Bengaluru is expected to hover between 21 to 36 degrees Celsius.

Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings | Head to Head

• Matches Played: 30
• RCB Won: 10
• CSK Won: 19
• No Result: 1

Read Also: Rohit Sharma is the Undertaker of IPL: KKR's hilarious tweet will make you laugh hard

RCB vs CSK

Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings | Possible Lineups

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

• Virat Kohli
• Faf du Plessis (c)
• Mahipal Lomror
• Glenn Maxwell
• Shahbaz Ahmed
• Dinesh Karthik (wk)
• Wanindu Hasaranga
• Harshal Patel
• Wayne Parnell
• Mohammed Siraj
• Vijaykumar Vyshak

Chennai Super Kings:

• Devon Conway
• Ruturaj Gaikwad
• Ajinkya Rahane
• Moeen Ali
• Shivam Dube
• Ravindra Jadeja
• MS Dhoni (c & wk)
• Dwaine Pretorius
• Maheesh Theekshana
• Tushar Deshpande
• Akash Singh

RCB vs CSK

Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings | Dream XI Team Prediction

As IPL 2025 faced disruptions and was suspended on 9th May, 2025, most of the overseas players returned back to their respective home countries.

The tournament is set to resume from 17th May, 2025, and it raises a crucial question about how many overseas players can rejoin their franchises.

Given their international commitments and other issues, check out the overseas players who might not come for the remainder of the tournament in IPL 2025 for each team.

IPL 2025 Points Table

Firstly, see where each team stands before the tournament resumes.

Read Also: Top 5 underrated players in IPL 2025

Overseas players return status for the remainder of IPL 2025

The 18th season of Indian Premier League (IPL) will resume on May 17 after a week-long break with the remaining seven teams in contention for playoffs. According to the revised IPL 2025 schedule, the remaining 13 league matches will be played across six venues. The league stage commences on May 27.

The revised IPL 2025 schedule meant a few teams will be deprived of home advantage. While Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (16 points each) are most likely to enter the final four, things could get tight for the likes of Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings.

Also Read: Top 5 underrated players in IPL 2025

Ahead of the IPL 2025 resumption, let's take a look at the qualification scenarios of all the seven teams in contention for playoffs. Notably, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad are officially out from the race to playoffs.

Only five teams can reach to the 18-point mark after the league stage. That means, 18 points could possibly be the cut-off for the teams in the race for playoffs.

IPL 2025 Points Table before resumption

Rank	Teams	Matches	Win	Loss	NR	Points	NRR
1	Gujarat Titans	11	8	3	0	16	+0.793
2	Royal Challengers Bengaluru	11	8	3	0	16	+0.482
3	Punjab Kings	11	7	3	1	15	+0.376
4	Mumbai Indians	12	7	5	0	14	+1.156
5	Delhi Capitals	11	6	4	1	13	+0.362
6	Kolkata Knight Riders	12	5	6	1	11	+0.193
7	Lucknow Super Giants	11	5	6	0	10	-0.469
8	Sunrisers Hyderabad (E)	11	3	7	1	7	-1.192
9	Rajasthan Royals (E)	12	3	9	0	6	-0.718
10	Chennai Super Kings (E)	12	3	9	0	6	-0.992

Gujarat Titans (16 points)

With eight wins from 11 games, the Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans need just a win shy of confirming their place in the last four stage. They still have three games left in the league stage.

Remaining Games: vs DC (May 18), vs LSG (May 22), vs CSK (May 25)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (16 points)

Just like Gujarat Titans, RCB are also just a win away from securing their spot in the last four stage. RCB also have three games left, including two at home, starting with a clash against KKR.

Remaining Games: vs KKR (May 17), vs SRH (May 23), vs LSG (May 27)

Punjab Kings (15 points)

Punjab Kings breathed a sigh of relief when it was announced their called-off game against Delhi Capitals will be replayed. With three games left, Punjab Kings could possibly reach 21 points, thus securing their first playoff spot over a decade.

Remaining Games: vs RR (May 18), vs DC (May 24), vs MI (May 26)

Mumbai Indians (14 points)

After losing a few matches initially, Mumbai Indians won six matches on the bounce to enter the top four. The Hardik Pandya-led side need to win their final two games to enter the playoffs without needing a help from others. In case, Mumbai Indians lose one, they will be locked at 16 points and would hope Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals falter.

Remaining Games: vs DC (May 21), vs PBKS (May 26)

Delhi Capitals (13 points)

Despite making a roaring start with five wins in their first six matches, Delhi Capitals lost the plot to find themselves out of the top four in the points table. With 13 points in the pocket and three games left to play, Delhi Capitals need to win all their remaining matches to ensure smooth entry into knockouts.

Remaining Games: vs GT (May 18), vs MI (May 21), vs PBKS (May 24)

Also Read: IPL 2025 to resume from 17th May: Here is the revised schedule

Kolkata Knight Riders (11 points)

Things look dicey for defending champions KKR who have won five and lost six so far. Rain played spoilsport in one of their games. With two games left, KKR could go to 15 points even if they win their remaining games. KKR would also hope for other teams to falter in order to get a crack into the last four stage. For KKR to go through, Punjab Kings need to lose all their games.

Remaining Games: vs RCB (May 17), vs SRH (May 25)

Lucknow Super Giants (10 points)

With a new captain in Rishabh Pant, LSG need to win their remaining three games to get to a maximum of 16 points. Like KKR, LSG too need to look at other teams for a change of fortune. Even if LSG win their last three games, they would Mumbai Indian and Delhi Capital to not win more than one game.

Remaining Games: vs SRH (May 19), vs GT (May 22), vs RCB (May 27)

After the Champions Trophy 2025, India's target in ODI cricket will be the ODI World Cup 2027. In such a situation, know what is Team India's ODI schedule till the World Cup 2027. The Men in Blue have to play a total of 9 series in the next ICC ODI tournament, which includes 27 matches.

Apart from this, some more ODI matches can be scheduled near the tournament. So, know what is the ODI schedule of Indian Cricket Team till 2027 and when India will face which team.

Also Read: The Kohli Effect: Will Indian fans lose interest in Test cricket after Virat Kohli's retirement?

The ODI World Cup2027 will be held around October to December. Before this, the Indian team is going to play a lot of matches. India have to play 3-match ODI series against 8 teams. They will play series twice against one country.

India will play New Zealand twice

India will play Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka once each in the upcoming ODI series, while it will play New Zealand twice. Out of the nine series, India will play six series at home, while the rest will be held outside the country.

It will start with the tour of Bangladesh in August, which will be played this year. In October-November 2025, India has to play a three-match ODI series on its tour of Australia. South Africa's team will tour India in November-December.

India will host Sri Lankan team in December 2026

In January 2026, the New Zealand team will play an ODI series in India. After this, India has to play a three-match series against Afghanistan in June. In July 2026, Team India will have to play the same number of ODI series on its tour of England.

The West Indies team is scheduled to tour India in September-October. There will be an ODI series against New Zealand at home in October-November. India will host the Sri Lankan team for an ODI series in December 2026.

Also Read: Fav four in Test cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith stats in Tests

India's ODI schedule till World Cup 2027

In IPL, beyond the big names and celebrated players, we come across some pure talents who are underrated gems. Just like other seasons, IPL 2025 have quite a lot of underrated players to have unleashed their potential.

Discover the top 5 underrated players in IPL 2025 you might have overlooked!

5. Digvesh Singh Rathi | LSG

Digvesh Rathi made his IPL debut this season and has proved to be a key bowler for Lucknow Super Giants. He was picked up at his base price, 30 lakhs, by the team. Even though he soon went viral for his quirky "notebook" celebration, his performance remains underrated.

Digvesh took 12 wickets in 11 matches, with an economy of 8.09. LSG are in a must-win situation in the tournament, with doubts surrounding their playoff chances, and this man can prove to be crucial for them.

He strengthens the bowling unit and has the intensity to push towards the best.

 Digvesh Rathi IPL 2025 stats

• Matches: 11
• Wickets: 12
• Economy: 8.09
• Best bowling figures: 2/30

Read Also | Best Celebrations of IPL 2025 so far: From Abhishek's papercut to Hasaranga's Pushpa move

4. Ashutosh Sharma | DC

Ashutosh Sharma, who made his debut in IPL 2024, is a run machine in the lower order. He is a big support system of Delhi Capitals' batting unit, and has made it evident by delivering a match-winning knock of 66* runs from 31 balls against LSG.

Ashutosh has the power to change the narrative of the game with his hard-hitting abilities. He also holds the record for the fastest fifty in T20 by an Indian player by scoring 50 off 11 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023.

He has scored an impressive 186 runs in 8 innings that he has played so far in IPL 2025, with a strike rate above 165.

Ashutosh Sharma IPL 2025 stats

• Innings: 8
• Runs: 186
• Batting Avg: 31.00
• Highest Score: 66*
• Strike rate: 167.57

Read Also | IPL Records: Youngest Half-centurions in IPL History

3. Noor Ahmad | CSK 

Noor Ahmad, the Afghan spinner, is a prominent name in the squad of Chennai Super Kings this year. He always stood up for the CSK in crucial times, regardless of their overall team performance. 

Noor's contribution has been constant in terms of bowling, however, it has been overshadowed by the standings of CSK in the points table. He picked up 20 wickets in 12 matches, and holds the second position in the race for the Purple cap in IPL 2025.

Noorh Ahmad IPL 2025 stats

• Matches: 12
• Wickets: 20
• Economy: 8.02
• Best bowling figures: 4/18

Read Also | IPL Table toppers: IPL Playoffs teams from 2008 to 2024

2. Suyash Sharma | RCB

Suyash Sharma is a mystery spinner for Royal Challengers Bengaluru this season, who is having a great season so far. He has been a surprise addition to their bowling unit and has quickly earned his trusted place in the playing XI for almost every match.

His power of obstructing the run flow while defending low scores has been surprising to watch. Though he has picked up only 4 wickets in 10 matches for RCB so far, he has bowled some tight spells under pressure for Rajat Patidar this season.

Suyash Sharma IPL 2025 stats

• Matches: 10
• Wickets: 4
• Economy: 8.26
• Best bowling figures: 2/26

1. Prabhsimran Singh | PBKS

Prabhsimran Singh is a power-packed opener for the Punjab Kings squad this year. He has been extremely consistent this year and formed an iconic destructive duo with the young batter, Priyansh Arya.

He scored 4 fifties this season, with his highest being 91 runs. He scored a total of 437 runs in 11 innings so far. He is one of the budding contenders in the race for the Orange cap in IPL 2025.

• Innings: 11
• Runs: 437
• Batting Avg: 39.73
• Highest Score: 91
• Strike rate: 170.07

Virat Kohli's decision to step away from tests makes it a key question to ask, observe and analyse its effects on fans and their engagement with Test cricket.

People on the internet are talking about the closure of a big chapter. So, now that the chapter is closed, it will be crucial to check if the fans still embrace the long format.

Let's dive into the depths of this particular question that will rise in the days ahead: Will Indian fans lose interest in Test cricket after Virat Kohli's retirement?

Kohli's unmatched influence on Test cricket fandom

Virat Kohli has left his mark and impact beyond just his bat and performance. The sentimental connection fans had with him in tests is hard to put into words.

Considering India had exceptional test cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar, what is it about this man that his test exit is feeling like an irreplaceable void?

• Virat Kohli is the most successful Indian Test captain and holds the record for most victories, with 40 wins in total.
• His captaincy at home soil was exceptional, which showed everyone how dominant the Indian team can be, winning 24 out of 31 matches.
• Kohli's presence in Tests was unique. He inspired millions of fans to watch the format, who were drawn by his presence and performance.
• He fundamentally reshaped the Test landscape for India by proving the entire world that this country is equally good in Test just like other formats.
• Kohli's on-field intensity made every moment iconic for the teammates and fans to watch.
• He holds the record for scoring the most double centuries as an Indian batter, with 7 double centuries in his career. 
• Kohli's hunger for doing better and delivering crucial knocks and centuries for the team has drawn so many non-cricket fans to watch this format.
• Fans felt a strong emotional connection to his journey, following the highs and lows, and his commitment to winning for India.

Read Also: Most successful Test captains from India

What could Kohli's absence mean for the Test in India?

Virat Kohli's role in this format has been significant, on and off the ground. The reaction of fans after his retirement news made it clear how he has defined an entire generation's perception of the format.

Social media is flooded with posts and comments like "End of an Era," "Test cricket won't be the same without the King," "Grew up watching him fire in tests, a part of our childhood is gone today," and many others.

While some people are recalling those "memories and battles," some are acknowledging "the irreplaceable void and future of test cricket for India."

Read Also: "End of an era": Cricketing world reacts to Virat Kohli's test retirement

The kind of reaction and energy from the fandom makes it obvious to speculate how challenging it can be to keep the same level of interest in tests now. It makes it even questionable as the former captain, Rohit Sharma, has also decided to retire from Test cricket, days before Kohli's retirement.

The whole nation will definitely miss Ro-Ko in tests. But will it affect their interest in this format?

It will be a vital thing to keep an eye on in the future.