Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) missed the experienced player Bhuvneshwar Kumar in their opening match of IPL 2025. The veteran pacer was seen sitting in the dugout due to a minor injury. However, ahead of their clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, RCB hinted that he would be back soon. In his absence, young pacer Rasikh Salam got an opportunity to play in that game. After that he was a bit expensive, but he managed to break an important partnership by dismissing Sunil Narine. He finished with figures of 3 overs, 35 runs, and 1 wicket.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be swinging back into action sooner and bolder than ever.

- RCB wrote in a post pic.twitter.com/5SZa56WkUe

— Satish Mishra 🇮🇳 (@SATISHMISH78) March 24, 2025

"Bhuvi will be swinging back into action sooner and bolder than ever!" RCB posted on March 24, reassuring fans. Bhuvneshwar hasn’t had great success against CSK, taking 13 wickets in 20 matches at an average of 39.46. However, he has been very economical, giving away only 6.90 runs per over. RCB have struggled to win in Chennai, with their last victory at the venue coming way back in 2008. Among the current players, only Virat Kohli was part of that team.

Despite missing Bhuvneshwar, RCB’s bowlers did well in the opening match at Eden Gardens, restricting the opposition to 174/8. Josh Hazlewood was the best performer, taking 2 wickets in his 4 overs. Yash Dayal also bowled well, dismissing Angkrish Raghuvanshi while giving away 25 runs in 3 overs.

ALSO READ: IPL 2025: GT vs PBKS match 5 who will be the impact players for the fifth match

 RCB’s chase was made easy by openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli, who both scored half-centuries to secure the win. Bhuvneshwar, who returned to RCB after 15 years, was bought for ₹10.75 crore at the IPL 2025 auction. His comeback will add more strength to RCB’s bowling attack.