IPL 2025: Who is Matheesha Pathirana replacing in the playing XI for CSK in the key game vs RCB?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad won his second successive toss of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Just like the last game, Gaikwad elected to field first in the key game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Both sides made one change to their team for eight game of the IPL 2025 season. 

Australian pacer Nathan Ellis was rested for the game as Matheesha Pathirana came into the side. For RCB, Bhuvneshwar Kumar made his way into the playing XI for young seamer Rasikh Salam Dar from the previous game. Matheesha Pathirana wasn’t part of the playing XI in the previous match against Mumbai Indians. 

It is a huge game for both sides having won their opening game of the season with ease. RCB had beaten Chennai in their last encounter by 27 runs to make their way into the top four spot in the table. There was a huge cheer from the fans as soon as Gaikwad won the toss. Many fans had made their way early into the stadium as huge ‘Dhoni… Dhoni’ chants echoed through the ground. 

South Indian cricketing derby set to witness sizzling action 

After winning the toss, Ruturaj Gaikwad speaking to Ravi Shastri said, “Wicket will play slightly better than last game, looking to chase whatever the score is. So far, there has been no dew but you never know when it'll arrive. It's an uncontrollable but we have planned better for it. We were slightly behind in the field, need to improve there."

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar during his chat with the former India coach said, "We wanted to bowl but surface looks hard, wouldn't have made a big difference. It's important to bring out the best every day, want to do that tonight also. Bowling unit showed courage last game after 13 tough overs, that was heartening. Openers showing intent was impressive too. RCB vs CSK is one of the best games because of how fans support both teams."

Bengaluru are set to open with Virat Kohli and Phil Salt while Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, and Liam Livingstone will bat in the middle-order. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will head the pace department alongside former CSK pacer Josh Hazlewood and left-arm seamer Yash Dayal.