Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to face the Chennai Super Kings at the M Chidambaram Stadium in a crucial match, which is the eighth of IPL 2025. Both teams enter this contest with victories from their respective opening matches and view this intense rivalry as a chance to establish momentum for the remainder of the season.

A key player to watch is Virat Kohli, who has been a pivotal figure for RCB for nearly twenty years and continues to excel. Kohli secured the orange cap in IPL 2024 and maintained his impressive form by scoring an unbeaten 59 runs to lead RCB to victory against KKR in their first match.

Given Kohli's exceptional talent and the potential reliance on him, a question was posed to CSK coach Stephen Fleming during the pre-match press conference regarding whether RCB's batting lineup is overly dependent on Kohli's performance.

Fleming responded with a diplomatic perspective, emphasizing that such conclusions cannot be drawn from a single game or merely on paper.

“It’s challenging to make assessments based on just one match. The RCB and CSK teams from last year are quite different. We do not focus on past performances,” Fleming stated.

“Clearly, Kohli is a significant component of their team. However, they possess depth and strength, similar to most franchises,” he added. “This year, the competition is quite balanced.”

Fleming reveals key plan vs RCB

Nonetheless, even with Kohli's exceptional performance, CSK recognizes the threat posed by RCB's formidable batting lineup. Phil Salt has the ability to deliver explosive starts at the top of the order, establishing a solid foundation, while captain Rajat Patidar excels against spin in the middle order. Patidar's score of 34 runs off 16 balls in the opening match highlights his importance, especially on a Chepauk pitch and against a CSK squad featuring Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, and Noor Ahmad.

"If we can keep him and Patidar under control, it will significantly enhance our chances of winning," Fleming stated plainly, underscoring what he perceives as a crucial aspect of their strategy.

CSK is also counting on strong performances from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra with the bat, and they will be looking for improved contributions from other players in the lineup as the teams prepare to clash in Chennai.

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