CSK and RCB are due to square off at Chepauk on March 28.
Gaikwad’s comment came ahead of the IPL 2025 fixture between CSK and RCB at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday (March 28).
Gaikwad expressed his excitement about the marquee clash, particularly with Rajat Patidar leading the opposition.
"Really looking forward to playing against RCB, especially with Rajat (Patidar) as the new captain. Immediately when they announced Rajat as the captain, I messaged him and wished him good luck. We have been friends for a while now, we know each other really well, and obviously, RCB has been one of the strongest teams,” Gaikwad said while speaking on JioStar’s "Star Nahi Far" initiative.
However, the CSK captain was quick to acknowledged the noteworthy challenge of facing Virat Kohli.
"They have done really well every year now. And whenever Virat Kohli is in the opposition, whenever he is playing, it is always a clash to look forward to. He’s been doing it for a really long time now, consistently for RCB and for the country as well. So, it is always a great match, and after Mumbai Indians, this is the second match we always look forward to," Gaikwad added.
CSK have dominated RCB over the years at Chepauk, with the Bengaluru-based franchise only managing a single win at this venue way back in the IPL 2008 season.
The Chennai-based franchise will look to exploit RCB’s vulnerabilities on a turning track this time around. CSK’s spin department looks formidable with Ravichandran Ashwin rejoining forces with Ravindra Jadeja and Noor Ahmad.
For RCB, Kohli’s battle against spin will hold a key. His recent improvements in playing spin will be tested against CSK’s potent attack. But for RCB to stand a chance, the likes of Phil Salt, Krunal Pandya, and Tim David will also have to make vital contributions.