IPL 2025: Shane Watson reveals RCB’s game plan to win over CSK in Southern Derby

In IPL 2025 Match No. 8, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will square off on March 28 at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. CSK lost to RCB in their final game of the previous season, which cost them a playoff berth. While the RCB players were busy celebrating after the game, the fans outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru started acting inappropriately towards the CSK supporters.

It will be interesting to watch the Southern Derby given what transpired between these two teams the previous season. Former cricket player Shane Watson discussed the pressure that RCB will face due to the makeup of their team in an interview with JioHotstar. In general, Chepauk favours the spinners more, as was seen in the last match. As a result, RCB will need to adjust their end.

“The foundation of CSK’s overall structure is success in Chennai. In their first match versus MI, Ashwin, Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad bowled beautifully. Take a look at them. On that surface, they will be a true nuisance,” Watson said.

Given the calibre of bowlers CSK has at their disposal, RCB’s trip to Chepauk will be extremely difficult. The composition of RCB’s team will probably need to be changed in order to counter CSK’s advantages. However, Chepauk is a fortress, so don’t be misled,” he continued.

Shane Watson praises Noor Ahmad profusely.

Before the 2025 IPL, Noor Ahmad was a fantastic addition to the CSK team. The guy had four wickets in his team’s first game and has a great chance of taking more in the games that are coming up. For the home games, CSK is prepared thanks to their spin assault. The Afghan spinner received accolades from the former Australia all-rounder for his outstanding performance in the season’s opening match.

“Seeing Noor Ahmad make such an impact in his first game for CSK will only boost the team’s confidence, knowing they have another wicket-taking option,” the former CSK player said.