Published: Mar 27, 2025, 02:21 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 27, 2025, 02:22 PM (IST)
Ex Australia all-rounder Shane Watson believes, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) must adjust their team lineup to effectively tackle the challenging Chepauk pitch when they face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai on Friday.
Although RCB is coming after a impressive win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but Watson believes that they will face a bigger challenge against Chennai.
“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, a JioStar expert.
Watson who has played for both RCB and CSK in his IPL career, cited the presence of quality spinners in Chennai who can bring a huge impact in the game.
“CSK’s entire setup is built around excelling in Chennai. Just look at the three spinners who bowled brilliantly in their opening game against MI — Ashwin, Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad. They are going to be a real handful on that surface.” Watson said
“Seeing Noor Ahmad make such an impact in his first game for CSK will only boost the team’s confidence, knowing they have another wicket-taking option,” Watson added.
Looking at the head-to-head record, CSK holds a strong edge over RCB with 20 victories over 33 matches, compared to RCB who have managed to win only 11 times, and one match was without any result. This makes CSK a tough team for RCB to play against.
RCB will be playing their second match of this IPL season against CSK in Chepauk Stadium on March 28.
