The much-anticipated IPL 2025 clash between the Chennai Super Kings and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru is just around the corner, and the Super Kings will be gunning for revenge as the Bengaluru-based side defeated them in their last encounter during the 2024 season. This time, however, RCB is riding high after a massive win over Kolkata Knight Riders in a one-sided contest to kick off their tournament. Everything seemed to go right for RCB in that game, except for one major flaw: the batting order.
In that match, Devdutt Padikkal was sent in to bat at number three, a decision that raised eyebrows given his struggles against spin. The left-handed batter couldn't time the ball effectively and was dismissed cheaply, leaving fans and analysts questioning the strategy. Meanwhile, Rajat Patidar, who had demoted himself to number four, played a brilliant cameo, almost sealing the game for his side with a strong performance.
As RCB prepares for the crucial game against CSK, many are advocating for Patidar to replace Padikkal at number three. Why? No player is better than Patidar when it comes to facing spin. The RCB lineup boasts many exceptional players against pace bowling, but Patidar is the team’s best bet against spin. With the Chepauk surface likely to assist spinners, it makes sense for RCB’s best spin hitter to face as many deliveries as possible.
Patidar's statistics against spin in the IPL are impressive. He has played 20 matches and scored 313 runs off just 160 balls against spin, boasting a remarkable strike rate of 195.6. In contrast, Padikkal's record against spin is concerning. Over 48 IPL matches, he has accumulated 515 runs in 428 balls, with a strike rate of only 120.3. His difficulties against spin were evident during the KKR match, where he struggled to tackle bowlers like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy.
As the teams gear up for their encounter on Friday, March 28, 2025, the spotlight will be on Patidar, who has been in sensational form. In a historic moment, Patidar completed 2,500 runs in T20 cricket during Match 8 of IPL 2025 against CSK, achieving this milestone with his third run of the match. He walked in at a critical juncture when RCB was 76 for 2 and went on to smash a whirlwind 32-ball 51, showcasing his power-hitting ability.
During his innings against CSK, Patidar was dropped three times, a stroke of luck that he capitalized on to make CSK pay dearly. His innings included a six off spinner Noor Ahmad, and despite a few early jitters, he settled into his rhythm and delivered a crucial performance for his team. His innings came to an end when he was finally dismissed by Matheesha Pathirana, but not before he had made a significant impact.
Patidar's achievement is noteworthy as he becomes the second RCB skipper to score a half-century at Chepauk, following in the footsteps of Virat Kohli, who scored 58 runs from 47 balls in IPL 2013. This milestone adds to Patidar's impressive career statistics, which now stand at 2,548 runs in 77 T20 matches, averaging 38.60 with a strike rate of 158.75, including 25 fifties and a century.
In the IPL specifically, Patidar has scored 884 runs across 29 matches at an average of 35.36 and a strike rate exceeding 160. His tally includes eight fifties and one hundred, along with 58 sixes and 60 fours, marking him as one of the most explosive players in the league.
Leading up to the IPL 2025 season, Patidar was named RCB skipper just before the tournament commenced, a role he earned after a stellar performance with Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He played a pivotal role in helping his team reach the finals of the 2024/25 season, where they faced off against Mumbai. His leadership and batting prowess have now set the stage for RCB to aim for their maiden IPL title.
Patidar's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. He made headlines in IPL 2022 when he became the first uncapped player to score a century in IPL playoffs, finishing with an unbeaten 112 off just 54 balls against Lucknow Super Giants. He backed this up with another fifty in the second Qualifier against Rajasthan Royals, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
As the RCB prepares to take on CSK, the focus will undoubtedly be on how they can leverage their strengths against the formidable spin attack of the Super Kings. With Patidar likely to take a more prominent role in the batting order, fans are eager to see if he can continue his impressive form and lead RCB to victory. The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable as RCB seeks to avenge their previous defeat against CSK.
In conclusion, the upcoming match is set to be a thrilling encounter, with RCB looking to capitalize on their recent momentum and Patidar's exceptional form. As both teams prepare for battle, cricket fans will be eagerly watching to see how this rivalry unfolds on the field.
