The IPL 2025 showdown between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is set to be a high-tension game. Both sides possess game-changing players who can turn the game around at any time. Although team tactics are predominant, individual player wars tend to determine the result of the match. The following are the top five critical player battles to watch in this exciting match. Top 4 Key Player Battles to Watch in CSK vs RCB Sno Players 1 Sam Curran vs Phil Salt 2 Noor Ahmad vs Virat Kohli 3 Ravichandran Ashwin vs Rajat Patidar 4 Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Yash Dayal 5 Rachin Ravindra vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar Sam Curran vs Phil Salt Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2023 4 6 0 3 0 0 66.7 - 2024 19 9 1 3 1 2 211.1 19.0 Total 23 15 1 6 1 2 153.3 23.0 Sam Curran has had a mixed record against Phil Salt in the past. Between them, Salt has made 23 runs off 15 balls and been dismissed once. Salt made only 4 runs off 6 balls in 2023 but was not out. But in 2024, he batted aggressively and scored 19 runs from 9 deliveries at a strike rate of 211.1, hitting one four and two sixes before his wicket fell to Curran. With a total strike rate of 153.3 off Curran, Salt will bat aggressively again, while Curran will try to get him out early to exert pressure on RCB. Also Read | CSK vs RCB IPL 2025 Match 8: Key Stats & Milestones to Watch Noor Ahmad vs Virat Kohli Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2023 18 13 0 3 2 0 138.5 - 2024 37 24 1 8 5 1 154.2 37.0 Total 55 37 1 11 7 1 148.6 55.0 Noor Ahmad, the left-arm wrist-spinner, will face a challenging task against Virat Kohli. The RCB batter has amassed 55 runs from 37 balls against Noor in their previous encounters, getting out just once. In 2023, Kohli achieved 18 runs off 13 balls without getting dismissed. But in 2024, he was more attacking, making 37 runs off 24 balls at a strike rate of 154.2 before Noor finally dismissed him. With a good average of 55.0 against the spinner, Kohli will seek to dominate the game, while Noor will attempt to disrupt his rhythm early. Ravichandran Ashwin vs Rajat Patidar Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2022 17 16 2 6 0 1 106.2 8.5 2024 7 9 0 4 0 0 77.8 - Total 24 25 2 10 0 1 96.0 12.0 Ravichandran Ashwin is famous for his astute off-spin and has had some success against Rajat Patidar. In his earlier encounters, Ashwin has got Patidar twice, giving away 24 runs off 25 deliveries. Patidar fared poorly against him in 2022, scoring 17 runs off 16 deliveries before getting dismissed twice. In 2024, though, he scored a little better, with 7 runs off 9 deliveries but was not out. Ashwin will try to utilize his experience to entrap Patidar once more, while the RCB batsman will attempt to turn the tide against the old spinner. Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Yash Dayal Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2022 40 21 1 7 3 3 190.5 40.0 2023 7 4 0 2 0 1 175.0 - 2024 5 7 1 5 1 0 71.4 5.0 Total 52 32 2 14 4 4 162.5 26.0 CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has enjoyed contests against Yash Dayal in earlier matches. Gaikwad has amassed 52 runs off 32 balls against the left-arm seamer, being dismissed twice. In 2022, he had the upper hand in the competition, scoring 40 runs off 21 balls with a strike rate of 190.5, scoring three fours and three sixes. In 2023, he scored a short but aggressive, scoring 7 runs off 4 balls, one six included. In 2024, Dayal had the advantage, getting him out for mere 5 runs off 7 balls. This battle may be pivotal in determining the tone of CSK's innings. Also Read | First Rahul, Now Pant: Is LSG’s Captain Facing the Heat from the Owner? Rachin Ravindra vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2024 1 3 1 2 0 0 33.3 1.0 Total 1 3 1 2 0 0 33.3 1.0 Young left-handed batter Rachin Ravindra will be in for a tall task against the veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar. They have faced each other only once, in 2024, when Bhuvneshwar got rid of Rachin for a mere 1 run off 3 balls. Having been outplayed by him only at a strike rate of 33.3 in this matchup so far. Conversely, Bhuvneshwar will hope to carry on the dominance and strike early for RCB. Conclusion CSK vs RCB has been a high-energy rivalry, and these player wars may determine the fate of the game. While stars like Kohli, Gaikwad, and Curran will try to take control, bowlers like Noor Ahmad, Ashwin, and Bhuvneshwar will aim to stop them. Fans can expect a thrilling contest with plenty of drama, big hits, and game-changing moments.