Category: Indian Premier League

Chennai Super Kings made headlines by re-signing R Ashwin, a decade after his last stint with the franchise in 2015, reuniting him with Ravindra Jadeja. To further bolster their spin department, they added the young Afghanistan sensation Noor Ahmad. Additionally, CSK packed their roster with versatile allrounders and pace bowlers, while also giving opportunities to players seeking a career resurgence, such as Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Deepak Hooda, and Shreyas Gopal.

Chennai Super Kings

Number of Players: 25/25

Indian players: 18

Overseas players: 7

Retained players (5): Ruturaj Gaikwad (18 Cr), Ravindra Jadeja (18 Cr), Matheesha Pathirana (13 Cr), Shivam Dube (12 Cr), MS Dhoni (4 Cr)

Players Bought in the Auction (20)

• Noor Ahmad (10 Cr)
• Ravichandran Ashwin (9.75 Cr)
• Devon Conway (6.25 Cr)
• Khaleel Ahmed (4.80 Cr)
• Rachin Ravindra (4 Cr)
• Rahul Tripathi (3.40 Cr)
• Anshul Kamboj (3.40 Cr)
• Vijay Shankar (1.20 Cr)
• Sam Curran (2.40 Cr)
• Gurjapneet Singh (2.20 Cr)
• Nathan Ellis (2 Cr)
• Deepak Hooda (1.70 Cr)
• Jamie Overton (1.50 Cr)
• Vansh Bedi (55L)
• Mukesh Choudhary (30L)
• Shreyas Gopal (30L)
• Ramakrishna Ghosh (30L)
• Kamlesh Nagarkoti (30L)
• Andre Siddharth (30L)
• Shaik Rasheed (30L)

The Chennai Super Kings have once again prioritized continuity by heavily investing in reacquiring their former players. Rahul Tripathi has been added at No. 3, providing an additional spin-hitting option alongside Shivam Dube. The No. 5 position is likely to be filled by either Deepak Hooda or Vijay Shankar—two players who have struggled for consistency but now have an opportunity to revive their IPL careers in a team known for backing its players over the long term.

CSK also re-signed Sam Curran for ₹2.40 crore. Curran offers flexibility in the batting order and is expected to share death-bowling responsibilities with Matheesha Pathirana. Additionally, they made a significant move by acquiring Afghanistan’s left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad for ₹10 crore. According to head coach Stephen Fleming, Noor is seen as a key wicket-taking option in the middle overs at Chepauk, especially if the pitch favors spin. On surfaces less conducive to spin, CSK can turn to Nathan Ellis, who is also capable of bowling effectively at the death.

On the second day of the auction, CSK aggressively pursued Indian pacers, ultimately signing Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary, Gurjapneet Singh, and Kamlesh Nagarkoti. These players will provide reliable backups and allow the team flexibility to adjust their overseas combinations when needed.

CSK Possible First 12 (Including Impact Player)

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt)
2. Devon Conway/Rachin Ravindra
3. Rahul Tripathi
4. Shivam Dube
5. Sam Curran
6. Vijay Shankar
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. MS Dhoni (wk)
9. R Ashwin
10. Noor Ahmad/Nathan Ellis
11. Khaleel Ahmed/Gurjapneet Singh
12. Matheesha Pathirana

CSK Squad Overview

Fast Bowlers: Matheesha Pathirana (retained), Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Choudhary, Gurjapneet Singh, Nathan Ellis

Batters: Ruturaj Gaikwad (retained), Rahul Tripathi, Shaik Rasheed, Deepak Hooda, Andre Siddarth

Wicketkeepers: Devon Conway, MS Dhoni (retained), Vansh Bedi

Allrounders: Ravindra Jadeja (spin; retained), Shivam Dube (pace; retained), R Ashwin (spin), Sam Curran (pace), Rachin Ravindra (spin; RTM), Vijay Shankar (pace), Anshul Kamboj (pace), Jamie Overton (pace), Kamlesh Nagarkoti (pace), Ramakrishna Ghosh (pace)

Spinners: Noor Ahmad, Shreyas Gopal

SWOT Analysis of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Squad for IPL 2025

Strengths:

1. Versatile Allrounders: A well-rounded group featuring Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, and Rachin Ravindra ensures depth in batting and bowling.
2. Experienced Leadership: MS Dhoni’s presence provides strategic acumen and unmatched calmness under pressure.
3. Spin Arsenal: With Jadeja, Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, and Shreyas Gopal, CSK has an excellent spin attack for spin-friendly conditions.

Weaknesses:

1. Pace Bowling Concerns: The fast bowling unit lacks a proven death-over specialist apart from Pathirana.
2. Aging Core: Dependence on senior players like MS Dhoni and R Ashwin could pose fitness and performance challenges.
3. Unproven Middle-Order: Batters like Shaik Rasheed and Andre Siddarth lack experience at this level.

Opportunities:

1. Emerging Talent: Players like Noor Ahmad and Rachin Ravindra can capitalize on IPL’s global stage.
2. Dynamic Batting Depth: Power-hitters like Shivam Dube and Sam Curran can accelerate run rates effectively.
3. Tactical Innovation: MS Dhoni’s help with captaincy for Gaikwad opens avenues for innovative tactics and player utilization.

Threats:

1. Over-Reliance on Spinners: Flat pitches might expose their spin-heavy strategy.
2. Injury Risks: Heavy reliance on Pathirana, Jadeja, and Dhoni increases the risk of disruption if injuries occur.
3. Fast-Paced Oppositions: Teams with aggressive batters can neutralize their slower bowlers effectively.

Read More: IPL 2025 Mega Auction Roundup: How the Ten Teams Line Up After the Mega Auction

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