Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are still hunting for their first win of the IPL 2026 season and they have landed in Bengaluru to take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the much-awaited fixture. CSK and RCB have had a storied rivalry since 2008. CSK defeated RCB in the IPL 2011 to lift the trophy for the second time. In 2024, Faf du Plessis’ RCB defeated Ruturaj’s CSK to end their campaign in the league stage. CSK are in desperate need of a win here and they need to defeat RCB. The home team will aim to continue its momentum.
RCB chased down the big target of 202 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the tournament opener on March 28. They have been on a rest since then and will make their on-field return on Sunday (April 5).
The RCB-CSK fixture will take place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium from 7:30 PM IST. The toss will take place at 7:00 PM IST. The captain winning the toss might opt to bowl first due to the dew factor at this venue.
Is MS Dhoni fit?
MS Dhoni has started practicing, but he is not match fit. The former CSK captain is down with a calf strain and is likely to make his return in the second week of April.
RCB are likely to be without the services of Josh Hazlewood. He has been practicing with the team, but is likely to be match-fit only after the second game. Hazlewood hasn’t played competitive cricket for five months due to an Achilles tendon injury.
RCB vs CSK match prediction
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have all their bases covered and they enter the game against Chennai Super Kings as favourites. RCB have quick batsmen and wicket-taking bowlers. Devdutt Padikkal’s quick batting can prove to be the game-changer for RCB.
CSK, on the other hand, have struggled so far. Sanju Samson hasn’t breached the 10-run mark for them yet while Ruturaj hasn’t played a big knock. CSK will have their task cut out against RCB, who look like a solid team once again. CSK have a 22-13 lead over RCB in IPL.
