CSK vs RCB: Krunal Pandya to play along with Swapnil Singh Today? Two former Baroda 'Buddies' may Reunite

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It has been a decent start to the IPL 2025 campaign for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as they beat defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders.

As they take on Chennai Super Kings today at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Krunal Pandya may have a familiar name alongside him.

The deck at the MA Chidambaram Stadium aids the spinners, and that may bring on some changes in the RCB setup. Although they will be tempted to go with the same team, the addition of a spinner can be a possibility, given the slowness of the track at Chepauk. Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma were the two spinners for them in the last match. But they can add another in their bowling arsenal against CSK, which can be Swapnil Singh.

What happened between Krunal Pandya and Swapnil Singh?

Swapnil Singh is an all-rounder who was signed by RCB in the IPL 2025 mega auction, along with Krunal Pandya. The 34-year-old used to play with Krunal at Baroda but then changed his domestic allegiance to Uttarakhand in recent years.

In 2020, despite Swapnil's impressive performances-being among the top all-rounders in Indian white-ball cricket-he was informed by then-captain Krunal Pandya that there was no place for him in the team. This decision led Swapnil to question his exclusion, especially given his consistent contributions.

In the IPL 2025 mega auction, both Krunal and Swapnil were acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), bringing them together in the same team despite their past differences. Recent events suggest that they have reconciled; during Krunal's 34th birthday celebration, Swapnil was seen feeding him cake, indicating a mended relationship.

CSK vs RCB: Krunal Pandya to meet Deepak Hooda as well

The situation was further complicated by similar issues Krunal had with other teammates, notably Deepak Hooda. Reports indicate that Krunal used abusive language towards Hooda and threatened to remove him from the team, leading to Hooda's departure from Baroda to join Rajasthan. Krunal will be meeting Deepak Hooda in today's match as the Indian player currently plays for CSK.

Swapnil Singh's addition is a possibility for RCB, and if that happens, it is to be seen how the pair turn up. Although they have been with RCB for some time now this season and perhaps have sorted things out between themselves, still the RCB fans will be hoping for an on-field camaraderie between the duo.