In the ever-evolving universe of Indian cricket, a handful have always been a cut above the rest, not so much for what they have achieved on the pitch but for what they have been, led by, and stood by in the sport. The Indian Express IE 100 ranking 2025 has put into focus the crème de la crème, and no surprise, three cricketing icons top the table. Let's look at the top 3 strongest cricketers of India this year:

1. Rohit Sharma

The Indian captain is one who continues to command respect both on and off the pitch. With his captaincy, composed mind, tactical sense, and an ability to perform under pressure matches, Rohit has become the new face of Indian cricket. He has easily ridden the transition phase and still remained one of the most consistent batsmen for the team. Off the pitch, his presence via sponsorships, the media, and among young people has cemented his position as a household name in India. Rohit in 2025 is no longer a player but a statesman of the game.

2. Virat Kohli

Years will come and go, but Virat Kohli is an impenetrable pillar of cricket for India. A symbol of work ethic, commitment, and ardour, Kohli's influence cuts across forms and generations. Even though he no longer captains him, his aura, training regimen, and never-say-die urge for runs leaves him as trendy and lionized as ever before. In cricket-crazy country, Kohli's fanbase remains the one in the box seat, and his voice still the one colours the debate surrounding the game. Power, in Kohli's instance, does not grow old.

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3. Jasprit Bumrah

India's speed bowling wizard has transformed the art of fast bowling. Bumrah, with his unconventional action and laser-like precision, has become an inspiration in every given situation. His 2024-25 performance has made us recall why he is one of the all-time greats of world cricket. Besides statistics, Bumrah's level head, next-gen leadership and reach among youth cricketers make him the strongest force in Indian cricket today.

In a country of millions of would-be cricketers and an infinite number of heroes, these three are still propelling the sport's future and present. By leadership, legacy, or tear-inducing pace, Rohit, Virat, and Bumrah are still at the hub of Indian cricket's power matrix in 2025.

A number of top-ranking cricketers scored some classical runs, setting the platform for some unforgettable moments in the high voltage of IPL clashes. Virat Kohli has made a league-best score of 1053 runs, whereas MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Faf du Plessis have also been pivotal to the success of both the teams. The battle of two superpowers is hosting lots of tense situations, with every match becoming the latest chapter of IPL history.

Virat Kohli-The Leading Run-Getter:

The iconic Virat Kohli had been the top run-scorer in CSK vs. RCB matches with 1053 runs to his name. The consistent century-maker and the aggressive batsman who has treated CSK bowlers as his nightmare all along. There is no doubt that Kohli's fantastic performances have been the reason for some amazing moments like centuries and fifties and also for his dominance.

Most runs in CSK vs RCB IPL matches

1053 - Virat Kohli
765 - MS Dhoni
616 - Suresh Raina
519 - Faf du Plessis#IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/kLXOzwi46l

— CRIC INSIGHTS (@Insights4Cric) March 28, 2025

Also read:GT vs MI: Match 09 Weather and Pitch report IPL 2025

Other Batting Icons in the CSK-RCB Rivalry:

• MS Dhoni-With 765 runs, Dhoni has played some of the most memorable finishing knocks in this rivalry, guiding CSK to victory on multiple occasions.
• Suresh Raina-the iconic player from the Chennai Super Kings—has made 616 runs in this rivalry, demonstrating his aggressive approach and that he is a big-game player.
• Faf du Plessis,having played for both CSK and RCB, has registered 519 runs, showcasing his adaptability and consistency.
• AB de Villiers-The bold batting of AB de Villiers, undoubtedly, was giving RCB a lot of wins over CSK.
• Shane Watson represented both teams at different times, and he gave an unforgettable inning in the 2018 IPL final by scoring a century for CSK.
• Ruturaj Gaikwad-As a fast-rising star for CSK, Gaikwad made a huge impression in the previous seasons by playing a lot of classical shots in a very fluent manner.

With these batting giants shaping the CSK vs. RCB rivalry, fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling battles in future IPL seasons.

Also read:IPL 2025: Sara Ali Khan to light up Guwahati as IPL celebrates 18 glorious years

We are ready for the Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (CSK vs RCB) match, which is the eighth match of the IPL 2025 and will be played on Friday evening (March 28) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai. Here, we are going through the top favourite names for the captain and vice-captain of Dream11 for the match. 

IPL 2025, Match 8: CSK vs RCB Probable XIs

Chennai Super Kings Predicted Playing 11: Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain), Rahul Tripathi/Khaleel Ahmed (Impact Player Sub), Deepak Hooda, Shivam Dube, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Nathan Ellis, Noor Ahmad

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Predicted Playing 11: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (Captain), Devdutt Padikkal/Suyash Sharma (Impact Player Sub), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Salam/Swapnil Singh, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal 

See Also: RCB’s Last Win vs CSK in Chepauk: World was Different in 2008

IPL 2025, Match 8: CSK vs RCB Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Captain's choices

Rachin Ravindra: New Zealand cricketer Rachin Ravindra is in great form with the bat. While CSK had a tricky chase of 156 runs against Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2025 opener, Ravindra scored 65 not out off 45 balls with two fours and four sixes, as CSK managed to chase the target despite losing wickets at regular intervals. His spin bowling is also an asset for his team.  

Krunal Pandya: While RCB managed a solid start in the IPL 2025 with a seven-wicket thrashing win against the hosts and defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Krunal Pandya was the main character why RCB return to the game and never lost the plot since then. The left-arm spinner maintained tight lines in the IPL 2025 opener as he dismissed set captain Ajinkya Rahane (56), Venkatesh Iyer (6), and Rinku Singh (12). He had the bowling figures of 4-0-29-3 as he won the Player of the Match award. In Chennai, he can play another crucial role for his team with the ball. 

Virat Kohli: Former RCB captain Virat Kohli is now in great form with the bat in white-ball cricket. The leading run-scorer in IPL history started the IPL 2025 in familiar style as his powerful 59 not out off 36 balls (four fours and three sixes) had an important role in the successful 175-run chase. 

Top 3 Vice-captain's choices

Noor Ahmad: The Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad was the hero for CSK in their first game of the IPL 2025, where they beat Mumbai Indians by four wickets with five balls to spare. While they restricted MI to 155/9 in 20 overs, Noor had the bowling figures of 4-0-18-4, as he dismissed Suryakumar Yadav (29), Robin Minz (3), Tilak Varma (31), and Naman Dhit (17). 

Khaleel Ahmed: While Noor Ahmed was the Player of the Match for CSK in their IPL 2025 opener, the left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed set the tone for that with his two wickets in the powerplay. In his first two overs, Khaleel dismissed Rohit Sharma (0) and Ryan Rickelton (0). Later, in the slog overs, he dismissed Trent Boult (1) and finished with the bowling figures of 4-0-29-3. 

Ravindra Jadeja: Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is always a key name in any format of cricket as he is a rare asset for any team. In Chennai, his left-arm spin bowling is key, while the left-handed batter can also play crucial cameos. In their first IPL 2025 match against Mumbai Indians, while Jadeja controlled with the bowling figures of 3-0-21-0, he came at a crucial time in the batting and set up the match-saver 36-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Rachin Ravindra before the Indian cricketer was run out for 17 runs. 

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) last beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk on May 21, 2008. Cricket and the world have changed so much since then. Let us look back and see how things were different back then

Cricket in 2008

• Virat Kohli had not played for India yet.
• Anil Kumble was the captain of India.
• Sachin Tendulkar had 81 international hundreds.
• MS Dhoni had captained India in only 32 international matches.
• Roger Federer was the Wimbledon champion, and neither Nadal nor Djokovic had yet won the title.
• India had not yet won an individual Olympic gold medal.

ALSO SEE: IPL 2025: Who is Aniket Verma? SRH’s New Sensation

The World in 2008

• WhatsApp and Bitcoin did not exist.
• Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who is a Rajasthan Royals cricketer now, was not born.
• Sensex was at 17,243 today it is more than 77,000.
• India was operating 2G networks for mobile communication.
• Gold was at ₹12,500 per 10 grams today it is more than ₹90,000.
• Anushka Sharma had not yet made her Bollywood debut.
• Pervez Musharraf was the President of Pakistan.
• Barack Obama had not yet become the US President.
• Cristiano Ronaldo was still playing for Manchester United.
• Dommaraju Gukesh, India's current World Chess Champion, was not yet two years old.
• Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah had not yet been broadcast.

Then vs. Now

The IPL was in its inaugural season and nobody knew how much bigger it would go. CSK has terrorized RCB at Chepauk through the years, and it has been one of their most difficult venues. As every new season of the IPL comes around, fans of RCB pray that one day their team will shatter the winning drought.

Kohli Willingness to Improvement Has No Limits

He still has goals he wants to achieve even later in his career. “Even now, when I was coming for the press conference, Virat Kohli told me that he wants to work on one more shot,” says Dinesh Karthik. This statement shows his constant drive to become better.

Dinesh Karthik said, "Even now when i was coming for the press conference Virat kohli told me that he wants to work on one more short."
Sadly, A few months ago, his own fans were questioning his hunger towards cricket 💔
pic.twitter.com/0gkUmG1qDD

— leisha (@katyxkohli17) March 27, 2025

Changing Expectations and Criticism 

A few months back, some of Kohli's supporters said that he had lost his desire in sports. The most vocal of his self-proclaimed fans believed that he had completely given up on playing. Regardless, Kohli came public and proved everyone wrong by demonstrating his love for the game

Also read:-CSK vs RCB : Match 08 Weather and Pitch report IPL 2025

Kholi is a champion. His enormous dedication towards the sport endured great loss along the way and showed rest of us that what a true champion is. Champions never settle, they just keep evolving. Greatness is not about achieving lofty goals, but in fact constantly pushing the boundaries and further stretching one’s

 limits.

The BCCI is set to announce the new central contract list in the near future, with a number of changes expected. Shreyas Iyer will be set to regain after his fine performances, while R Ashwin will be axed after his international retirement.

Will Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja Be Demoted

Fans are debating if Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja will be moved from their Grade A+ deals as they have retired from T20Is. Nevertheless, the news is that all three will still maintain their place in the higher order, as they continue to be important players in Tests and ODIs, especially for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Virat and Jadeja will likely be in India's team for the upcoming Test series against England, with Rohit's availability still doubtful. He is said to have decided to go out of the tour, but there is no official word as yet.

ALSO SEE: Shane Watson warns RCB ahead of Chepauk clash against CSK: IPL 2025

Axar Patel's Promotion Certain

Axar Patel is likely to be elevated to a Grade A contract since he has continued to play consistently across all three formats. His timely contributions, like a match-winning 47-run support in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, have further cemented his case.

Ishan Kishan's Contract Status in Doubt

While Iyer is set to return to the contract list, Ishan Kishan’s status remains unclear. Both players were previously dropped for skipping domestic cricket. It remains to be seen if the board reinstates Kishan this time.

Final Decision Soon

Selectors, the central contracts to discuss the squad for the England tour.The last word on Rohit Sharma's position and leadership adjustments is also imminent. While Jasprit Bumrah's fitness remains an issue, the team administration is yet to pinpoint a obvious candidate for the captaincy job.

Wait for the official announcement from BCCI including chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, are going to meet on March 29 in Guwahati.

Both teams are very competitive, which is why the IPL Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match on March 28 in MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, is set to be a blast of an encounter. Here are three key players to watch a preview of this exciting clash.

1. Virat Kohli (RCB) 

Kohli’s batting brilliance remains a constant danger. he’s a batting threat spanning from middle to end overs. A showcased example of this masterclass was on the 22nd of March, against KKR, in which RCB opened IPL 2025 with him singlehandedly smashing 59 runs off 36 balls, with RCB beating KKR by 7 wickets, a harsh boasting blow to his pole strikers. His injury concerns him; he fried an easily inviting 174 runs, and attacking him is counterproductive. 

Also Read: RCB playing 11 vs CSK IPL 2025 match 8

2. Rachin Ravindra (CSK)

This dynamic all-rounder has emerged as a cornerstone for CSK with his aggressive batting and crafty spin. Ravindra has become a zippy performer for the CSK team. No big change from the last game after Ravindra had scored 65 runs off  45 balls and took 1/25, despite the 4-wicket win chasing MI’s 155/9 (CSK 158/6). His form is likely to give a tough time to RCB on a surface that suits spinners.

3. Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK)

Gaikwad’s calm head as an elegant opener will be vital against RCB’s quick bowlers. In the match against MI, he scored 53 runs off 26 runs and had stabilized the innings but could not see them over the line. His clash with RCB bowlers such as Josh Hazlewood could determine how CSK fares. 

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Although RCB thugs lead the encounters 21-11 in 33 matches, his 27-run win in the last IPL 2024 meeting makes it interesting. With RCB thumping KKR and CSK nudging past MI, this match combines CSK’s Chepauk magic and RCB’s energy, which will be a thriller.

IPL 2025: CSK vs RCB – Player Battles to Watch Out For

Match Details – IPL 2025

• Match: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
• Date: 27th March 2025 (Thursday)
• Time: 7:30 PM IST
• Venue: M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Live Streaming: JioStar & Star Sports Network

Key Player Fights
Virat Kohli vs. Ravindra Jadeja
RCB's pillar Virat Kohli will try to lay the foundation of the innings, but Ravindra Jadeja's precision and turn on Chepauk's track may test him. If Jadeja gets rid of Kohli, CSK will have a big upper hand.

Phil Salt against Khaleel Ahmed
Aggressive opener Phil Salt will attempt to rule the powerplay, but CSK pacer Khaleel Ahmed can swing the new ball and cause trouble. An early wicket may check RCB's momentum.

Shivam Dube vs Josh Hazlewood
Power hitter Shivam Dube has the reputation of crossing boundaries, but Josh Hazlewood's pace and discipline will make it troublesome for him to play big. This fight will be important in the middle overs.

MS Dhoni vs. Yash Dayal
The legendary MS Dhoni will be key for CSK in the death overs. But RCB’s young pacer Yash Dayal will try to use his variations to restrict him. Can Dhoni finish in style again?

ALSO READ:RCB playing 11 vs CSK IPL 2025 match 8
Rajat Patidar vs. Noor Ahmed
RCB’s Rajat Patidar is a strong player of spin, but Noor Ahmed’s tricky wrist spin can test him. If Noor removes Patidar early, CSK can control the game in the middle overs.

Ruturaj Gaikwad vs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has been consistent, but Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s ability to swing the ball early could trouble him. If Bhuvi finds movement, RCB can put CSK on the back foot early.

Virat Kohli, one of the best cricketers in the world ever, is not only famous for his game but also for being a supporter and lover of young cricketers. A case in point being his was shared by Swastik Chikara, who is one of the emerging talents in the world of cricket recently. Swastik mentioned that he was always an admirer of Virat Kohli and how the veteran player has been encouraging young talents all along.

In a light-hearted incident, Swastik narrated an incident in which he simply checking through Virat's bag without even asking him, indicating how comfortable he was around his role model. This is a good illustration of the love and respect Virat Kohli has for young players in order to make them feel a part of the team and not as fans.

KING KOHLI'S LOVES FOR YOUNGSTERS..!!!! 🐐

- The way Swastik Chikara talking about Virat Kohli & he's checking Virat's bag without asking him. ❤️🥹

pic.twitter.com/Wd0e1fH7WR

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) March 26, 2025

ALSO SEE: Bhuvneshwar Kumar OUT of CSK vs RCB match?

Virat's approach towards youngsters is not only about giving on-field advice. He goes the extra mile to fit them into the team, listen to their stories, and inspire them to do their best. It is no surprise that Kohli is loved for his batting as much as his captaincy and his enthusiasm to guide the young generation of cricketers.

This little memorable moment with Swastik Chikara is just one example of how many times Virat Kohli exhibits his genuine enthusiasm for the emerging players of Indian cricket. His style still goes on inspiring and developing the coming stars of the game.

Shreyas Iyer’s recent IPL innings set an example of selflessness in T20 cricket. He was one hit away from hitting his first IPL century, but he chose not to keep the strike and instead concentrated on what was better for the team. Iyer's decision illustrates the attitude of T20 cricket: get as many runs as possible without caring about putting personal goals.

Aakash Chopra brought out what Iyer did differently, contrasting it with how players in the modern game have used the opportunity of getting set to change the course of the game for themselves. The lesson, as always, in a short, fast-paced version of the game like T20 is that it is always better to look out for the bigger picture. The importance of individual achievement should come after the team’s.

Iyer was only one hit away from his first IPL century. Didn’t get the strike thereafter. Didn’t ask for it either. And it’s set a nice example for everyone.
T20 cricket is all about maximising every ball…whoever is hitting, keeps hitting. No personal milestones are bigger than…

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 26, 2025

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The game as such has witnessed the sad picture of players in the chases, slowing down in an attempt to reach set milestones, and there are so many attempts made, but what came out was the best team-oriented result. Iyer’s innings is strikingly typical and doesn’t reflect that simplistic ethos of cricket, where every run scored is deemed to be better than a personal milestone. His decision to not engage in strike farming indicates the mindset of the wearer of the modern game: wider game picture thinking.

Chopra didn’t name names; however, it sparked a whole new debate about younger players, most especially more experienced players who the statement was about, and whether the whole “farming the strike” debate is really about Kohli and other senior players.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RR vs KKR Dream11 Prediction 6th Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

Regardless of comparisons, Iyer’s act of putting the team first is a commendable example for upcoming cricketers. It reinforces that while centuries are celebrated, true greatness lies in playing selfless cricket that benefits the entire team.