Matheesha Pathirana: CSK’s Death Over Specialists in IPL 2025
The IPL 2025 has set the stage ablaze with its mega auction. Teams worked tirelessly to build their ideal squads. Among them, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are five-time IPL champions. They are planning for another title run. CSK’s key focus is their death-over bowling. It’s critical for any successful T20 team.
So, who will step up for CSK in the final overs? Here’s a closer look at their death-over specialists for IPL 2025.
CSK’s Full Squad for IPL 2025
Batters
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shaik Rasheed, C. Andre Siddharth, Rahul Tripathi, and Devon Conway. Also, MS Dhoni and Vansh Bedi.
All-Rounders
Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Vijay Shankar, Deepak Hooda, Anshul Kamboj, Rachin Ravindra, Jamie Overton, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, and Ramakrishna Ghosh. Also, Ravichandran Ashwin and Sam Curran.
Bowlers
Matheesha Pathirana, Shreyas Gopal, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Gurjapneet Singh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed
CSK’s Probable Bowling Combination
CSK’s bowling will mix experienced players with rising talent. They expect Matheesha Pathirana to be their top death-over specialist. Sam Curran and Khaleel Ahmed will likely support him with pace. Anshul Kamboj may provide backup.
Who Will Open the Bowling for CSK?
The team expects Sam Curran to lead with the new ball. Either Khaleel Ahmed or Anshul Kamboj will support him, depending on the final XI. CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad might use two overs from Curran in the powerplay. Ahmed or Kamboj could bowl three overs in the first six.
With Ashwin back, CSK may use the veteran spinner for one over in the powerplay. The Chepauk pitches favor spin.
Who Will Bowl at the Death for CSK?
Matheesha Pathirana: The Death-Over Specialist
Matheesha Pathirana is set to be CSK’s go-to bowler in the final overs. The team expects Pathirana to bowl two overs in the middle and two in the final four. They trust him to deliver under pressure. His lethal yorkers and knack for taking wickets make him CSK’s best option in tight spots.
Sam Curran: A Versatile Option
Sam Curran’s variations and experience make him a strong contender for the death overs. The left-arm pacer could be effective at Chepauk. His slower balls and cutters suit the conditions. Curran is likely to bowl at least one or two overs in the last five, complementing Pathirana’s spell.
Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj: Backup Options
Khaleel Ahmed, a death-over bowler for Delhi Capitals last season, is another good choice for CSK. Depending on the match scenario, Ahmed could share the responsibility with Curran.
Anshul Kamboj has great stats in limited chances. But, he has little IPL experience. If in the playing XI, Kamboj might bowl an over at the end to manage workload.
In IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings will again bet on a mix of youth and experience for their death-over bowling. CSK can finish games. Matheesha Pathirana’s skill, plus Sam Curran and Khaleel Ahmed, gives a strong base. If they execute this plan well, CSK could be strong contenders for their sixth IPL title.
