IPL 2025: Best combined 11 from CSK and RCB

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have assembled formidable teams for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The five-time champions started their campaign with a four-wicket win against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians at Chepauk. Meanwhile, RCB got the better of defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the opening match of the 18th season of the IPL at Eden Gardens by seven wickets.

Chennai retained five players – Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, and MS Dhoni – ahead of the mega-auction. They signed some impactful players, including the likes of Rachin Ravindra and Noor Ahmad, among others. Ravichandran Ashwin also returned to the franchise after a decade.

Meanwhile, RCB had retained just three players – Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal – before the mega-auction. They acquired the services of stalwarts likes Phil Salt, Josh Hazlewood, and Liam Livingstone, among others. RCB added experience to their seam-bowling attack by signing veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Ahead of the mouth-watering clash between CSK and RCB at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, March 28, here is a look at what would be the best combined XI of the two teams.

Best combined XI of CSK and RCB:

Top Order – Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)

RCB’s opening duo of Virat Kohli and Phil Salt will open for the combined XI as well. They have played together in only one game but made a massive impact, putting up a 95-run stand off just 51 balls. Salt’s ability to take the attack to the bowlers from the outset gives Kohli the chance to get himself set at the crease.

Kohli won the Orange Cap in IPL 2024 and had a successful stint with the bat in India’s recent triumph in the Champions Trophy. He looked in submile touch in the first game and would want to go from strength to strength in the matches to come.

Meanwhile, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad will slot in at No. 3. Like Kohli and Salt, Ruturaj slammed a blistering half-century in his first outing with the bat in IPL 2025. Ruturaj can drop anchor and also change gears effortlessly, making him an ideal candidate for the No. 3 position.

Middle Order – Rajat Patidar, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja

Rajat Patidar has been appointed as the RCB captain this season. Against KKR, he amassed 34 off just 16 balls. The right-handed batter has an impressive IPL record, scoring 833 runs in 25 innings at an average of 34.71 and a strike rate of 160.51.

Shivam Dube got a new lease on life after joining CSK ahead of IPL 2022. He has an average of 33.69 and a strike rate of 158.85 for the Super Kings. When he gets going, it is hard to stop him as he uses his long reach to dispatch even the good deliveries for sixes.

Ravindra Jadeja will add firepower to the batting lineup, and his ability to finish matches will come in handy. He will also play a crucial role with the ball in hand. Jadeja might be 36 years old, but he is still one of the finest fielders in world cricket. His presence on the field will help the team save a lot of runs.

Lower Order – MS Dhoni (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin

MS Dhoni rolled back the years in CSK’s win against Mumbai Indians. The former India captain effected a brilliant stumping to dismiss the dangerous Suryakumar Yadav. Dhoni was in phenomenal form last season as he amassed 14 fours and 13 sixes from the 73 balls he faced. Apart from his batting and keeping, Dhoni will also help the captain with his exceptional knowledge and understanding of the game.

Ravichandran Ashwin picked up the wicket of Will Jacks in the first game and bowled decently. He is a clever operator and knows how to bowl not only on responsive pitches but on flat ones as well.

Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Matheesha Pathirana, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Liam Livingstone (Impact)

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is in the twilight of his career, but he is still a force to reckon with. The Indian speedster can still swing the new ball at a decent pace and bowl the fiery yorkers at the backend. He did not play the first game, but when he does, it will be a treat to watch him operate with the new ball with Hazlewood.

Josh Hazlewood has played for both CSK and RCB. He is currently with the RCB, and he showcased his class in the first game against the Knight Riders as the Australian stalwart bagged the wicket of Quinton de Kock in the first over before returning at the backend of the innings to get the better of Harshit Rana. Hazlewood’s control with the new ball makes him a lethal component of his team.

Matheesha Pathirana burst onto the scene during IPL 2023 with his ability to bowl toe-crushing yorkers with a slingy action. It wasn’t a surprise to see the CSK management retaining him for IPL 2025. Pathirana’s spell in the death overs can be key to a team’s success.

Liam Livingstone will slot in as the Impact Player. With the likes of Ashwin and Jadeja already in the side, Livingstone’s part-time spin-bowling might not be needed. He can come in when his team is batting and put the bowlers to the sword with his mesmerising power game.

Best combined XI of CSK and RCB:

Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Rajat Patidar, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (WK), R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Matheesha Pathirana.

Impact Substitute: Liam Livingstone. 

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