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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to commence on March 22, and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are gearing up for another exciting season. With a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent, the five-time champions will be aiming to clinch their sixth IPL title. CSK have always been a team known for its experience, consistency, and ability to back its players even through lean patches. Under the new leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, the team will look to maintain their legacy and deliver another memorable campaign.
CSK have retained a strong core while making some smart additions in the auction. The team possesses a balanced combination of experienced campaigners and young match-winners who have the potential to turn games around single-handedly. Among the squad, five players stand out as potential game-changers in IPL 2025. Let’s take a closer look at these key players.
IPL 2025: Here are the five CSK players to watch out for
1) Rachin Ravindra
New Zealand’s rising star, Rachin Ravindra, has been in red-hot form, making headlines with his phenomenal performances in international cricket. His recent exploits in the Champions Trophy 2025 saw him finish as the leading run-scorer, amassing 263 runs at an average of 65.75, including two centuries. These performances have cemented his reputation as a dependable top-order batter who can anchor innings and accelerate when needed.
However, his IPL journey with CSK has been a mixed bag. In the previous season, he managed just 222 runs at an average of 22.20, struggling to replicate his international success in the T20 format. Despite this, CSK has shown faith in the young all-rounder, retaining him for INR 4 crores. This season, all eyes will be on Ravindra to see if he can live up to expectations and provide solidity to CSK’s batting lineup. His left-arm spin could also prove handy on Chennai’s spin-friendly tracks.
2) Sam Curran
Sam Curran‘s return to CSK adds significant depth to their all-round department. The England cricketer has been one of the most impactful all-rounders in recent T20 leagues, and his performances in the ILT20 2025 were a testament to his growing stature. He finished among the tournament’s top run-scorers, amassing 387 runs at a strike rate of 134.37, while also contributing with seven wickets.
Curran’s ability to perform in crunch moments makes him a valuable asset for CSK. He can be deployed as a power-hitter in the middle order and can also take up the responsibility of finishing games. With the ball, his ability to swing it early and deliver pinpoint yorkers at the death makes him a reliable option. If he finds his rhythm, Curran could play a crucial role in CSK’s push for another title.
3) Rahul Tripathi
A player known for his aggressive intent and fearless stroke play; Rahul Tripathi is a vital addition to CSK’s batting order. He has been a consistent performer in the IPL over the years and has a knack for scoring quick runs in the powerplay, which could help CSK maximize their starts.
Having been acquired by CSK in the auction, Tripathi brings versatility and experience to the side. He can open the innings or slot into the middle order, adapting to different match situations. His ability to counter-attack and rotate strike efficiently makes him a key player in CSK’s quest for success in IPL 2025. If he finds his rhythm, he could be one of the standout performers this season.
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4) Nathan Ellis
CSK’s pace attack has often relied on overseas quicks, and this season, Nathan Ellis is expected to play a big role in the death bowling department. The Australian fast bowler has impressed with his ability to execute slower balls, yorkers, and sharp bouncers, making him a dangerous weapon in the T20 format.
Ellis has already proved himself on the international stage with Australia and has also delivered match-winning spells in franchise cricket. Given that CSK will play several matches on batting-friendly surfaces, his death-over skills will be crucial in containing opposition batters. If he can provide support to the likes of Matheesha Pathirana and others, CSK’s bowling attack will have a solid edge over their rivals.
5) Ravichandran Ashwin
IPL 2025 marks a homecoming for Ravichandran Ashwin, who began his IPL journey with CSK and played a pivotal role in their early successes. The veteran off-spinner, known for his vast experience and tactical nous, will once again don the yellow jersey after several seasons with other franchises.
Ashwin’s ability to outthink batters and his variety in spin bowling make him a valuable addition to the squad. With Chennai’s spin-friendly conditions, he is expected to play a crucial role in controlling the middle overs. Moreover, his experience in pressure situations and leadership qualities will provide additional strength to the team’s bowling attack. With CSK eyeing their sixth title, Ashwin will be keen to make an impact in what could be one of his last IPL seasons.
