As IPL 2025 unfolds, the Chennai Super Kings squad 2025 finds itself under the spotlight, both for its star-studded lineup and recent tactical debates.
With a mix of seasoned legends and emerging talent, CSK aims to bounce back from early-season struggles, though questions linger over their pitch strategy and middle-order depth.
Stay tuned to BRG365 for exclusive insights into CSK’s tactical shifts, player form, and playoff push!
CSK Squad 2025: Lineup Overview
The CSK squad 2025 blends experience with youth, anchored by captain MS Dhoni and a strong spin-bowling unit. Here’s the breakdown:
| Role | Players |
| WK-Batters | MS Dhoni (C), Vansh Bedi |
| Batters | Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shaik Rasheed, Rahul Tripathi, Devon Conway, Andre Siddarth, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis |
| All-Rounders | Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Sam Curran, Shivam Dube, Vijay Shankar, Deepak Hooda, Jamie Overton, Anshul Kamboj, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Rachin Ravindra |
| Bowlers | Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary, Matheesha Pathirana, Shreyas Gopal, Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis |
Key Players & Tactical Pillars
Batting
Ruturaj Gaikwad & Devon Conway: The opening pair forms CSK’s backbone, averaging 32.5 and 30.8 in IPL 2024, respectively.
Their ability to build stable starts is crucial on Chepauk’s spin-friendly tracks.
MS Dhoni (39 years old): The captain remains a finisher, though his strike rate (125.3 in 2024) raises concerns.
His tactical nous behind the stumps is invaluable, but CSK needs middle-order support from Shivam Dube (SR 145) and Rachin Ravindra (all-rounder, 45 avg in ODIs).
All-Rounders: Spin-Driven Balance
Ravindra Jadeja & Ravichandran Ashwin: The spin duo is CSK’s heart, combining 1,200+ IPL wickets.
Jadeja’s left-arm spin (economy 6.8) and Ashwin’s off-spin (5-wicket hauls in 2024) control midfield, while their handy lower-order hitting (Jadeja SR 138) adds depth.
Sam Curran & Jamie Overton: Overseas all-rounders provide pace-bowling firepower (Curran’s 145 kph yorkers, Overton’s bounce) and explosive batting (Overton’s 150+ SR in T20s).
Bowling
Noor Ahmad (12 wickets in 2025): The young left-arm wrist-spinner is a revelation, exploiting Chepauk’s turn (economy 6.2).
Matheesha Pathirana (4/25 vs RCB): Sri Lankan speedster offers death-over expertise, while Mukesh Choudhary (18 wickets in 2024) uses swing to target top orders.
Tactical Setup
Pitch Strategy Debate
CSK’s home games at MA Chidambaram Stadium have sparked debate after coach Stephen Fleming claimed "no home advantage," contradicting their legacy of spin-friendly tracks. As Indian Test legend Cheteshwar Pujara noted:
"CSK is one franchise that has always prepared pitches to suit their strengths—spin bowling and patient batting. To hear they lack home advantage is surprising."
This suggests a potential shift in approach, though the CSK squad 2025 remains built for slow, turning surfaces: 7 of 11 bowling options are spinners or spin-all-rounders.
Middle-Order Vulnerability
Despite a strong top 3, CSK’s middle order (positions 4-7) averages just 22.3 in 2025, with only Rachin Ravindra (50 avg) providing consistency.
Players like Deepak Hooda (SR 130) and Vijay Shankar (30 avg) must step up to avoid collapses like the 50-run loss to RCB.
Death Bowling Dilemma
While spin controls the middle overs, CSK lacks a proven death-over specialist. Matheesha Pathirana shows promise,
but reliance on part-timers (Jadeja, Ashwin) in the final 4 overs (economy 9.5) leaves them exposed to power-hitters like SRH’s Travis Head.
Season Outlook & Key Challenges
Home Turf: Their success on spin-friendly tracks depends on pitch preparation. Chepauk’s conditions could boost their form.
Dhoni’s Farewell: With retirement rumors, CSK must balance legacy and future, involving young stars like Dewald Brevis and Shaik Rasheed.
Playoff Push: Sitting 10th (2-5), CSK must win key matches. Their spin strategy and Dhoni’s leadership will be tested against teams like SRH and MI.
CSK’s 2025 squad blends experience with new talent. While their spin attack and top order are strong, middle-order issues remain.
If they use home conditions wisely, a playoff spot is possible. All eyes are on how they handle pressure in IPL 2025.
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