CHINNASWAMY SHOWDOWN: KEY BATTLES AND FANTASY PICKS FOR RCB VS SRH (A LOOK BACK AT MATCH 65)

Chinnaswamy Showdown: Key Battles and Fantasy Picks for RCB vs SRH (A Look Back at Match 65)

Chinnaswamy Showdown: Key Battles and Fantasy Picks for RCB vs SRH (A Look Back at Match 65)

Blog Article

The IPL 2025 season delivered its share of twists and turns, and one of the most anticipated clashes was undoubtedly the Match 65 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). While initially slated for the electric M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the match was eventually moved to the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow due to unforeseen circumstances. However, the original prospect of a "Chinnaswamy Showdown" offered fascinating key battles and strategic considerations for any IPL fantasy team prediction. Let's revisit what made this fixture so compelling, and how the change in venue ultimately impacted the outcome.

The Chinnaswamy Factor: A Batter's Paradise


Had the match been played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the pitch would have been the undeniable star of the show. Known for its small boundaries, lightning-fast outfield, and generally flat surface, Chinnaswamy is a dream for batsmen and often a nightmare for bowlers.

  • High-Scoring Encounters: Scores of 180+ are par, and 200+ totals are frequently chased down. The true bounce allows batsmen to play through the line with confidence.

  • Minimal Turn for Spinners: While pacers with variations and death bowling skills can still pick up wickets, spinners often find it challenging to contain runs due to the lack of assistance and short boundaries.

  • Dew's Dominance: Evening matches at Chinnaswamy are heavily influenced by dew, making the ball slippery and further favoring the chasing team. This means winning the toss and bowling first is often a no-brainer.


The hypothetical Chinnaswamy scenario would have set the stage for a pure power-hitting spectacle, where individual brilliance with the bat would have been paramount.

The Actual Stage: Ekana's Balanced Challenge


The reality, however, saw Match 65 played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on May 23, 2025. This venue offers a stark contrast to Chinnaswamy:

  • Balanced Surface: Ekana's pitch generally provides a more balanced contest between bat and ball. There's good pace and bounce for seamers, but also enough grip and turn for spinners, especially early in the innings.

  • Larger Boundaries: The expansive boundaries at Ekana mean batsmen have to hit genuinely good shots to clear the ropes, making mishits less rewarding.

  • Dew Still a Factor: While the pitch itself is more balanced, the dew factor in evening games at Ekana remains significant, giving a distinct advantage to the chasing side. This was evident in IPL 2025, where a majority of games at this venue were won by the team batting second.


This change meant that while aggressive batting was still crucial, disciplined bowling and tactical acumen became even more important.

Key Battles to Watch (Imagined for Chinnaswamy, Relevant for any Venue)


Even with the venue shift, some player matchups remain evergreen and always promise a compelling contest.

  • Virat Kohli (RCB) vs Pat Cummins (SRH): This is a classic battle between an in-form batting maestro and a shrewd captain-cum-bowler. Kohli's elegance and relentless scoring against Cummins' pace, variations, and tactical field placements would have been a fascinating watch on any surface. Kohli has been in phenomenal form, while Cummins is known for his ability to pick crucial wickets.

  • Phil Salt (RCB) vs SRH's New Ball Attack (e.g., Bhuvneshwar Kumar/Marco Jansen): Salt's aggressive powerplay hitting against the swing and accuracy of SRH's seamers would be a crucial determinant of RCB's early momentum. Early wickets could derail a chase or halt a strong start.

  • Travis Head/Abhishek Sharma (SRH) vs RCB's Pace (e.g., Mohammed Siraj/Reece Topley): SRH's explosive opening pair has been instrumental in their high scores. Their fearless approach in the powerplay against RCB's frontline pacers, who aim for early breakthroughs, would set the tone for SRH's innings.

  • Rajat Patidar (RCB) vs SRH's Spinners (e.g., Mayank Markande/Washington Sundar): Patidar's ability to play spin effectively and accelerate in the middle overs would be vital for RCB. His battle against SRH's spinners, who would look to contain runs and pick up wickets, could dictate the flow of the innings.

  • Heinrich Klaasen (SRH) vs RCB's Death Bowlers: Klaasen is one of the most destructive finishers in the league. His ability to smash sixes at will against RCB's death bowlers, who would be under immense pressure, would decide if SRH could finish with a flourish.


Fantasy Picks and Strategies (Adjusted for Ekana's Reality)


For your IPL fantasy team prediction, here’s how the dynamics played out in the actual Match 65 and what to consider:

  • Top-Order Batsmen are Gold: Both teams possess explosive top orders. In the actual match at Ekana, SRH's Ishan Kishan (who was the Man of the Match) and RCB's Phil Salt and Virat Kohli delivered significant fantasy points. Always lean towards in-form openers and top-order batsmen.

  • Wicketkeeper-Batsmen are High Value: Players like Heinrich Klaasen (SRH) and Phil Salt (RCB) offer points from both batting and wicketkeeping dismissals, making them invaluable.

  • All-Rounders for Balance: All-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball provide excellent fantasy value. Consider players who bowl their full quota of overs and can contribute quick runs.

  • Death Bowlers Can Be Risky, But Rewarding: While death bowlers can go for runs, they also pick up wickets. Pat Cummins (SRH) proved his worth in the actual match by picking up wickets.

  • Prioritize Chasing Side's Batsmen (due to dew): The actual match at Ekana reiterated the chasing advantage. If you know the toss result, stack your IPL fantasy team prediction with batsmen from the team batting second, as dew makes batting easier.

  • Look for Form over Reputation: While big names are always tempting, current form is paramount. Ishan Kishan's outstanding innings in Match 65, despite not always being a perennial top-scorer, highlighted the importance of picking players in a purple patch.

  • Impact of Venue Shift: Be aware that a venue change dramatically alters pitch conditions. A team strong on a flat track might struggle on a more balanced one, and vice-versa. This was a crucial factor in the actual outcome of Match 65.


The RCB vs SRH Match 65, initially anticipated as a Chinnaswamy run-fest, transformed into a different kind of challenge at Ekana. SRH's dominant batting performance secured a vital victory, impacting RCB's playoff journey. For fantasy players, this match served as a critical reminder: adaptability, informed decision-making based on venue, and recognizing in-form players are the pillars of a successful IPL fantasy team prediction.

Report this page