As start of seasons go, RCB couldn't have asked for a more varied or challenging pair of away battles than KKR and CSK back-to-back. The defending champions in Kolkata may have even been the easier of the two tests, given the true nature of the Eden Gardens pitch and the make up of RCB's line-up, littered with batters happier to hit pace through the line. Historically, even RCB's best sides have faltered on Chennai's slower, turning tracks, a struggle evident in their woeful record at the home of their big rivals: just one win in nine games.

Of RCB's top-eight in the IPL 2025 opener, only captain Rajat Patidar boasts a better strike-rate against spin than pace while Phil Salt and Jitesh Sharma come close to parity. While this makes them seem somewhat vulnerable against a high-quality attack featuring Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Noor Ahmad, the tradeoff is understandable. The line-up is built to maximise the seven home games in Bengaluru and the several other standardized, batting-friendly surfaces across the country.

RCB batters - pace vs spin in the IPL since 2023

Switch the disciplines around and the scales would appear to tilt further in CSK's favour and to their hopes of doubling down on their own start-of season schedule. RCB's spin attack features a left-arm spinner, an inexperienced legspinner and a part-time offspinner. While Krunal Pandya's defensive skills and numbers against left-handers are outstanding, he may be left to do a lot of heavy-lifting against a CSK top-seven that features four southpaws.

That said, the hosts didn't exactly shine with the bat against Mumbai, despite chasing a modest 155. And, early in the season might just be the best time for RCB to visit Chepauk, with the pitches yet to endure the full wrath of the summer sun. RCB have some vulnerabilities to poke at, while riding a rare feeling of optimism in