'Chepauk Is A Fortress': Ex-RCB Star Issues Warning Ahead Of Blockbuster Clash Against CSK
Royal Challengers Bengaluru last won an IPL match against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk back in 2008 and will aim to break that 17-year jinx on Friday evening.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have kickstarted their season on a positive note after getting the better of defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2025 opener last week. Now, RCB face Chennai Super Kings and despite their winning start, the weight of history will weigh heavy on their shoulders.
RCB have never beaten CSK at Chepauk since the inaugural IPL season in 2008. And the Rajat Patidar-led side will look to break the 17-year-old jinx come Friday when the two rivals lock horns. at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
related stories
Legendary Australia allrounder Shane Watson represented both RCB and CSK during his memorable IPL career. He indicates that RCB may have to adjust their team composition to give a tough fight to CSK.
“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," Watson said.
Watson pointed out how CSK have packed their squad with quality spinners giving the example of their win over Mumbai Indians last weekend.
“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," he added.
Watson spent seven of his 12 seasons in IPL with Rajasthan Royals and was part of their squad that won the inaugural edition in 2008. The franchise has started their ongoing campaign with two defeats in a row with the latest coming against KKR on Wednesday night in Guwahati.
“The Rajasthan Royals batters struggled to find their timing and made a few execution errors, which prevented them from putting up a big total," Watson said.
“A major difference was the calibre and quality of KKR’s spin attack. Varun Chakravarthy and Moeen Ali bowled exceptionally well, whereas Rajasthan’s bowlers, particularly in the middle overs, lacked the potency we’ve seen from them in the past," he added.
RR were limited to 151/9 as spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Moeen Ali combined to bowl eight overs for 40 runs and four wickets. On the other hand, KKR chased down the target with ease in 17.3 overs as Quinton de Kock smacked an unbeaten 97 off 61.
“This (lack of depth in bowling) made things a lot easier for Quinton de Kock — he was patient, waiting for loose deliveries, and didn’t take unnecessary risks. With his wide range of shots, he can accelerate quickly when he’s at his best," Watson said.
- Location :
- First Published: