Virat Kohli namedropped as Ruturaj Gaikwad declares CSK-RCB rivalry inferior to IPL’s El Clásico

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is gearing up for the much-awaited IPL 2025 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) that is scheduled to take place on March 28 at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Ahead of the blockbuster clash, Ruturaj Gaikwad acknowledged the high stakes that come with facing Virat Kohli.

Gaikwad is excited as CSK and RCB are set to reignite their rivalry in Chennai and stressed how Royal Challengers Bengaluru always presents a tough challenge, especially with the presence of Kohli in the lineup. However, this time, they have a new captain in Rajat Patidar at the helm.

I messaged Rajat Patidar and wished him good luck: Ruturaj Gaikwad

The CSK captain said that he shares a close bond with Rajat Patidar, so he is excited to test the RCB skipper’s leadership on the big stage. Ruturaj Gaikwad also revealed that he wished good luck to Patidar for the high-voltage encounter of this season in Chennai.

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Ruturaj Gaikwad was quoted as saying by TOI, “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”.

However, Gaikwad remains fully aware that no matter who leads RCB, the presence of Kohli automatically turns the match into a high-profile contest, and they are ready to take them down.

After Mumbai Indians, this is the second match we always look forward to - Ruturaj Gaikwad

The CSK skipper added, “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.”

Notably, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru face an uphill battle at Chepauk, where they have won just once in IPL history back in 2008. With conditions favoring spin, CSK's formidable spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad will look to dominate against the RCB.

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Virat Kohli’s improved approach against spin will be tested, but RCB’s hopes also rest on key contributions from Phil Salt, Krunal Pandya, and Tim David. With CSK’s strong home record and recent bowling dominance, RCB will need something special to break their Chepauk jinx.

The Virat Kohli vs Ravichandran Ashwin battle will be thrilling to watch in Chennai

Well, Ashwin’s return to CSK after a decade brings an exciting challenge as he prepares to face Kohli, who has consistently performed well against the Yellow Army. Despite being a top spinner, Ashwin has struggled to get the better of Kohli in the IPL.

The RCB star has scored 179 runs against him in 22 innings, losing his wicket only once. With a strike rate of 123.44, Kohli enjoys playing against CSK’s spin attack.