'We won't treat CSK clash differently' - RCB batter Devdutt Padikkal ahead of high-voltage IPL 2025 clash

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will have a chance to hamper Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) playoffs ambitions when the two popular teams collide in Match No. 52 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, May 03.

The Men in Yellow are already out of the race to the playoffs as they have only secured two wins from 10 games in the ongoing season. Meanwhile, RCB have a chance to move to the top of the points table with a win against MS Dhoni & Co. While RCB are the favourites to emerge victorious on Saturday based on current form, Devdutt Padikkal asserted that they will treat this game as any other fixture.

"We have played some really good cricket throughout the season, and there is no need to treat any game any differently. So, as long as we have done our preparations well and are completely focused on the game, I think we should be fine," Padikkal said during the pre-match press conference.

Padikkal has been used as the Impact Player while the Rajat Patidar-led side has been batting. He had been given the important No. 3 position in the batting order, and has done considerably well. After taking a bit of time to get off the blocks, Padikkal has shown in recent games why he is so highly rated. The top-order batter has 230 runs from nine innings at an average of 28.75 and a strike rate of 154.37.

What happened in the previous meeting between CSK and RCB?

RCB and CSK locked horns earlier in the season at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The visitors posted 196/7 after being asked to bat first. RCB captain Rajat Patidar scored 51 off 32 deliveries while the likes of Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Tim David, and Padikkal made handy contributions to take their team to the formidable score.

In reply, CSK could only manage 146/8 in their 20 overs. Dhoni's blistering knock of 30 not out off 16 deliveries helped CSK reduce the margin of defeat to 50 runs after they had slumped to 99/7. RCB will look to do the double over their long-time rivals and add salt to their wounds.