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Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, enter the 2025 season with high hopes of securing their sixth IPL title. With a well-balanced squad featuring experienced campaigners and promising young talents, CSK have once again built a team capable of dominating the tournament.
Under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, the franchise is stepping into a new era while still being guided by the ever-reliable MS Dhoni, whose presence remains invaluable both on and off the field. The squad boasts a formidable mix of explosive batters, dynamic all-rounders, and a lethal bowling unit, making them a top contender for the trophy.
However, the road to another IPL triumph won’t be easy, with competition getting fiercer every season. The team’s strength lies in its depth, with world-class all-rounders, along with a solid pace and spin attack provide an edge in slower conditions, ensuring CSK remains a force to reckon with.
Chennai Super Kings’ strongest playing XI for IPL 2025 season
1) Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Role: Top-order batter and captain
- Description: A stylish and consistent opener who anchors the innings and plays both pace and spin with finesse. With added captaincy responsibility, he will be expected to lead the side effectively while continuing his role as a run accumulator.
- Impact: Provides stability at the top and ensures a solid start. His leadership will be key in the transition phase after MS Dhoni.
2) Devon Conway
- Role: Top-Order Batter
- Description: A technically sound left-handed batter known for his fluency and calmness at the crease. He can handle both fast bowlers and spinners effectively.
- Impact: Adds consistency to the batting lineup and strengthens the left-right opening combination, making CSK more balanced against varied bowling attacks.
3) Rachin Ravindra
- Role: Batting all-rounder
- Description: A dynamic left-handed batter who can play aggressive cricket and shift gears according to the situation. He also provides a handy spin option.
- Impact: Offers versatility in the batting lineup and can contribute with the ball in spin-friendly conditions, giving CSK an extra bowling option.
4) Rahul Tripathi
- Role: Middle-order batter
- Description: A naturally aggressive batter with an attacking mindset, capable of taking on any bowling attack. He thrives in high-pressure situations and keeps the scoring rate high.
- Impact: Provides momentum in the middle overs and ensures quick runs when needed, making him a crucial link between the top order and the finishers.
5) Ravindra Jadeja
- Role: All-rounder
- Description: One of the best all-rounders in the world, contributing with bat, ball, and fielding. A game-changer with his quick scoring, left-arm spin, and electric fielding.
- Impact: Strengthens CSK’s middle order, controls the game in the middle overs with his bowling, and is a livewire in the field.
6) MS Dhoni (wk)
- Role: Wicketkeeper-batter
- Description: The legendary finisher and a master strategist behind the stumps. Though in the twilight of his career, his experience and tactical acumen remain invaluable.
- Impact: Brings unmatched leadership and composure under pressure. His finishing skills and presence behind the stumps still make him a vital cog in CSK’s setup.
7) Shivam Dube
- Role: Batting all-rounder
- Description: A powerful middle-order batter who specializes in clearing the ropes and can chip in with medium-pace bowling when required.
- Impact: Provides explosive hitting in the middle overs and at the death, ensuring a strong finish for CSK.
8) Sam Curran
- Role: Bowling all-rounder
- Description: A left-arm pacer who can swing the ball early and deliver effective spells in crucial moments. He is also a handy lower-order batter.
- Impact: Strengthens both departments, offering CSK an extra seam bowling option while adding depth to the batting lineup.
9) Ravichandran Ashwin
- Role: Bowling all-rounder and a veteran spin bowler
- Description: A veteran off-spinner with a variety of deliveries and a sharp cricketing brain. He thrives in tactical battles against top batters.
- Impact: Controls the game in the middle overs, counters left-handed batters effectively, and brings valuable experience to the spin attack.
10) Matheesha Pathirana
- Role: Fast bowler
- Description: A slinger with a lethal yorker, known for his effectiveness in the death overs. His unorthodox bowling action makes him difficult to pick.
- Impact: Provides an X-factor to CSK’s pace attack, excelling in closing out innings with pinpoint accuracy.
11) Mukesh Choudhary
- Role: Fast bowler
- Description: A left-arm pacer who swings the ball and has the ability to take early wickets in the powerplay.
- Impact: Strengthens CSK’s new-ball attack, providing variety in the pace department with his ability to move the ball.
Also READ: IPL 2025 – Rajasthan Royals’ best playing XI and impact players
Impact player choices for Chennai Super Kings
1) Nathan Ellis
- Role: Fast bowler
- Description: A skillful right-arm pacer known for his deceptive variations, yorkers, and ability to bowl under pressure. He is particularly effective in the death overs, using his slower deliveries and pinpoint accuracy to restrict runs.
- Impact: Provides CSK with a reliable death-over specialist, ensuring control in the final overs. His ability to pick crucial wickets makes him a strong backup option in high-scoring games.
2) Khaleel Ahmed
- Role: Left-arm fast bowler
- Description: A tall left-arm pacer who swings the ball early and can generate extra bounce. He is effective with the new ball and can trouble right-handed batters with his natural angle.
- Impact: Strengthens CSK’s pace attack by offering variety as a left-arm seamer. His ability to strike in the powerplay can be crucial in dismantling the opposition’s top order.
3) Vijay Shankar
- Role: Batting all-rounder
- Description: A versatile middle-order batter who can anchor the innings or accelerate as per the situation. He also contributes with medium-pace bowling, making him a valuable all-round option.
- Impact: Provides balance to the squad as a flexible batting option and a part-time bowler. His ability to chip in with both bat and ball makes him a strong impact player in conditions favoring all-rounders.
