Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have long been a powerhouse in the Indian Premier League, boasting five championships and a reputation for consistency. However, they narrowly missed the playoffs in IPL 2024, finishing fifth after Royal Challengers Bengaluru edged past them on net run rate.
As they gear up for IPL 2025, CSK have made calculated moves in the auction, staying true to their philosophy of experience and stability while adding fresh tactical dimensions. With Ruturaj Gaikwad now at the helm, the franchise aims to reclaim its dominance with a mix of seasoned campaigners and promising recruits.
Table of Contents
Best Likely XI for IPL 2025
- Devon Conway / Rachin Ravindra
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain)
- Rahul Tripathi
- Deepak Hooda / Vijay Shankar
- Shivam Dube
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Sam Curran
- MS Dhoni (wicketkeeper)
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Noor Ahmad / Nathan Ellis
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Khaleel Ahmed
Strengths
Unparalleled Experience and Stability
CSK’s success is built on continuity. Nine of the likely starting XII have donned the yellow jersey in previous seasons, ensuring a seamless transition into the new campaign. The return of experienced names like Ashwin, Curran, and Conway bolsters the team’s depth and adaptability.
Spin Renaissance at Chepauk
Recognizing the impact of their home conditions, CSK have invested heavily in spin options. The acquisitions of Noor Ahmad and Ashwin complement the existing arsenal of Jadeja, Gopal, Rachin Ravindra and Hooda. If Chepauk offers turn in IPL 2025, CSK’s spin attack could be a game-changer.
Dynamic All-Rounders Providing Balance
With multi-skilled players like Curran, Jadeja, Dube, and Vijay Shankar, CSK maintain flexibility in their playing XI. This depth ensures they have numerous bowling and batting options, preventing over-reliance on specific individuals.
MS Dhoni’s Impact at the Death
Even at 43, Dhoni’s ability to finish games remains a vital asset. His astonishing IPL 2024 strike rate of 220.54 underlines his effectiveness in the closing overs, making him a key figure in CSK’s middle-to-late order.
Weaknesses
Lack of Penetrative Power in Middle Overs
Despite a well-rounded spin attack, CSK’s spinners struggled to make inroads at home last season, managing only five wickets at Chepauk. Addressing this deficiency is crucial, especially with their bowling heavily reliant on controlling the middle overs.
Uncertainty Over Pace Attack
While Khaleel Ahmed has been identified as a replacement for Deepak Chahar, his record in IPL 2024 (eight powerplay wickets at an economy of 8.87) suggests he still has room for improvement. With Pathirana’s injury history and Nathan Ellis being unproven in CSK colors, the fast-bowling department lacks a bankable spearhead.
Fitness and Form of Key Players
Conway missed IPL 2024 due to injury, and Curran’s international form has been inconsistent. Additionally, Dhoni’s ability to maintain peak fitness across an entire season remains a question mark. Any setbacks to these core players could disrupt CSK’s campaign.
Opportunities
Noor Ahmad’s Breakout Season
CSK splurged INR 10 crores to secure Noor Ahmad, highlighting their belief in his potential. With 24 wickets in two IPL seasons, the 20-year-old has the chance to step up and establish himself as one of the league’s premier spinners.
Revival of Underperforming Players
The franchise has a history of rejuvenating careers, evident in the resurgence of Dube and Uthappa in previous seasons. With the arrivals of Tripathi, Hooda, and Vijay Shankar, CSK could once again prove to be a career-reviving destination.
Early Home Advantage
Four of CSK’s first six games will be played at Chepauk. A strong start could provide momentum, allowing them to manage the tougher away fixtures towards the backend of the season.
Threats
Reduced Home Advantage
Pitch conditions at Chepauk have shifted in recent years, favoring pacers more than spinners. If this trend continues, CSK’s heavily spin-reliant strategy may backfire, especially with their pacers lacking an out-and-out leader.
Rival Teams Adopting Aggressive Batting Approaches
In IPL 2024, franchises like KKR and SRH took aggressive batting to new heights. If CSK stick to their traditional methods, they may struggle to keep pace with teams prioritizing power-hitting across all 20 overs.
Tough Away Fixtures in Closing Stages
CSK face a challenging run-in with three of their final four games away from home, including trips to Bengaluru and Ahmedabad—venues where they stumbled last season. Dropping points in these encounters could derail their playoff aspirations.
Full Squad
Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Andre Siddarth C, Shaik Rasheed, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Ravindra Jadeja, Anshul Kamboj, Sam Curran, Ravichandran Ashwin, Devon Conway, MS Dhoni, Vansh Bedi, Jamie Overton, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shreyas Gopal, Matheesha Pathirana, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Gurjapneet Singh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed
CSK enter IPL 2025 with a well-balanced squad that leans on experience while integrating fresh tactical elements. Their spin-heavy approach could work wonders if conditions favor them, but they must address weaknesses in their pace attack and middle-overs penetration. As always, their fate will rest on Dhoni’s finishing prowess, the adaptability of their all-rounders, and how well their veteran core manages fitness and form. With the playoffs in sight, Gaikwad’s leadership will be crucial in ensuring CSK navigate the challenges ahead and reclaim their place among the IPL elite.
Read More: IPL 2025: Top 5 Batters with Highest Individual Scores in IPL History
FAQs
Who is the captain of Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2025?
Ruturaj Gaikwad has taken over as CSK captain for IPL 2025, replacing MS Dhoni, who will continue playing as a wicketkeeper-batsman.
What is CSK’s biggest strength in IPL 2025?
CSK’s key strengths include their experienced core with MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sam Curran, a strong spin attack featuring Noor Ahmad, Ashwin, and Jadeja, and their home advantage at Chepauk.
Who are CSK’s most expensive signings for IPL 2025?
CSK’s costliest acquisition in the IPL 2025 auction was Noor Ahmad (INR 10 crores), a rising Afghan spinner who has taken 24 wickets in two IPL seasons.
What are CSK’s main weaknesses in IPL 2025?
CSK’s concerns include a lack of a reliable pace spearhead, uncertainty over the form and fitness of key players like Devon Conway, Sam Curran, and MS Dhoni, and a potential reduction in Chepauk’s spin-friendly conditions.
Can CSK win IPL 2025 with their current squad?
CSK have a balanced team with a mix of experienced players and new signings, but their title hopes depend on Gaikwad’s captaincy, Dhoni’s finishing form, and their pace attack stepping up in crucial matches.
