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 all-rounders 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.
Table of Contents
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)
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt)
- Devon Conway/Rachin Ravindra
- Rahul Tripathi
- Shivam Dube
- Sam Curran
- Vijay Shankar
- Ravindra Jadeja
- MS Dhoni (wk)
- R Ashwin
- Noor Ahmad/Nathan Ellis
- Khaleel Ahmed/Gurjapneet Singh
- 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:
- Versatile Allrounders: A well-rounded group featuring Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, and Rachin Ravindra ensures depth in batting and bowling.
- Experienced Leadership: MS Dhoni’s presence provides strategic acumen and unmatched calmness under pressure.
- Spin Arsenal: With Jadeja, Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, and Shreyas Gopal, CSK has an excellent spin attack for spin-friendly conditions.
Weaknesses:
- Pace Bowling Concerns: The fast bowling unit lacks a proven death-over specialist apart from Pathirana.
- Aging Core: Dependence on senior players like MS Dhoni and R Ashwin could pose fitness and performance challenges.
- Unproven Middle-Order: Batters like Shaik Rasheed and Andre Siddarth lack experience at this level.
Opportunities:
- Emerging Talent: Players like Noor Ahmad and Rachin Ravindra can capitalize on IPL’s global stage.
- Dynamic Batting Depth: Power-hitters like Shivam Dube and Sam Curran can accelerate run rates effectively.
- Tactical Innovation: MS Dhoni’s help with captaincy for Gaikwad opens avenues for innovative tactics and player utilization.
Threats:
- Over-Reliance on Spinners: Flat pitches might expose their spin-heavy strategy.
- Injury Risks: Heavy reliance on Pathirana, Jadeja, and Dhoni increases the risk of disruption if injuries occur.
- 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
FAQs
Why did Chennai Super Kings focus on former players in the auction?
CSK values continuity and believes in retaining familiar players who fit their system, enabling consistent performances.
What role will Rahul Tripathi play in the CSK lineup?
Rahul Tripathi will bat at No. 3, offering an additional spin-hitting option alongside Shivam Dube.
How does Sam Curran strengthen the CSK squad?
Sam Curran, re-signed for ₹2.40 crore, adds versatility as a floater in the batting order and shares death-bowling duties with Matheesha Pathirana.
What is Noor Ahmad’s expected contribution to CSK?
Noor Ahmad, acquired for ₹10 crore, is a middle-overs wicket-taking option, particularly effective on spin-friendly Chepauk pitches.
