IPL 2025: 3 Strengths and 1 Major Weakness of Chennai Super Kings

IPL 2025: 3 Strengths and 1 Major Weakness of Chennai Super Kings

The five-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), are back. They aim to improve after a poor IPL 2024 season. CSK is known for their strategic IPL auction approach. They used it to build a balanced squad for 2025. However, concerns around their batting depth remain.

In this article, we break down CSK’s three strengths and one major weakness ahead of the IPL 2025 season.

CSK’s Squad for IPL 2025

Retained Players:

• Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni.

Top Auction Picks:

• Devon Conway (₹6.25 crore)
• Rachin Ravindra (₹4 crore, RTM)
• R Ashwin (₹9.75 crore)
• Noor Ahmad (₹10 crore)
• Sam Curran (₹2.40 crore)
• Rahul Tripathi (₹3.40 crore)

Strengths of CSK

1.Dominant Spin Bowling Unit

CSK boast one of the best spin attacks in the league, which will be a huge advantage at their home ground, Chepauk. The Chennai pitch favors spin. CSK’s trio of Ashwin, Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad has vast experience and varied skills.

• R Ashwin: The veteran off-spinner has returned to CSK after almost a decade. He has taken 182 IPL wickets, including 50 at Chepauk.
• Ravindra Jadeja: The left-arm spinner and all-rounder is vital for CSK. He has 160 IPL wickets at 6.75 econ at Chepauk.
• Noor Ahmad: The Afghan spinner is a promising addition. He has 24 IPL wickets in 23 matches and a T20 record of 137 wickets at an average of 23.08.

Expect these three to dominate at home, choking opponents with 12 quality overs of spin.

2.Strong Pace Bowling Options

CSK have a versatile pace unit. It is led by Sri Lankan sensation Matheesha Pathirana. He is backed by experienced bowlers: Khaleel Ahmed, Sam Curran, Nathan Ellis, and Jamie Overton.

• Matheesha Pathirana: He has 34 IPL wickets at an average of 17.41. A proven death-overs specialist, he concedes 8.24 runs per over in the final four overs.
• Khaleel Ahmed: The left-arm pacer adds variety to the attack. Last season, he picked up 17 wickets in 14 matches for Delhi Capitals.
• Sam Curran: Returning to CSK, he can bat and bowl. This gives flexibility.

CSK’s pace bowlers are deep. They can rotate them and adapt to different conditions when playing away from Chepauk.

3.Experienced Top Order

CSK’s top-order batsmen, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway, are a strong opening pair. They are reliable and consistent.

• Ruturaj Gaikwad: The new captain had a stellar IPL 2024, scoring 583 runs with five fifties. With over 2,380 IPL runs at an average of 41, Gaikwad is the backbone of CSK’s batting.
• Devon Conway: The Kiwi batter adds stability and flair to CSK’s top order. Rachin Ravindra, another New Zealand recruit, can back up as a spin all-rounder.

Shivam Dube is a key middle-order power-hitter. He scored 396 runs last season at a strike rate of 162.

Weakness: Lack of Middle-Order Depth and Bench Strength

CSK’s top XI is solid. But, their middle-order batting and bench strength are concerns.

Issues with Finishing Power

CSK’s reliance on Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni as finishers could be problematic.

• Jadeja: Although a proven performer, Jadeja’s batting form has dipped in recent years. In the last three IPL seasons, he has managed only 573 runs at a strike rate of 137.08.
• MS Dhoni: Dhoni’s fitness and limited role as a finisher are concerns. In IPL 2024, Dhoni faced only 73 balls but struck at 220+, which may not be sustainable.

If either of these players fails, CSK lack proven alternatives in the middle order.

Questionable Buys in Hooda and Shankar

CSK surprised many by picking Deepak Hooda and Vijay Shankar. Both have struggled in recent IPL seasons.

• Deepak Hooda: Scored just 145 runs in IPL 2024 and 84 runs in IPL 2023, making him a questionable investment.
• Vijay Shankar: He showed some form but was inconsistent. He scored 83 runs in seven matches last season.

CSK’s bench has uncapped players like Vansh Bedi, Shaik Rasheed, and Andre Siddarth. They lack the experience to fill in during a crisis.

Probable Playing XI for CSK in IPL 2025

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)
2. Devon Conway
3. Rachin Ravindra
4. Rahul Tripathi
5. Shivam Dube
6. Ravindra Jadeja
7. MS Dhoni (wk)
8. R Ashwin
9. Matheesha Pathirana
10. Khaleel Ahmed
11. Noor Ahmad

Players to Watch Out For

Ruturaj Gaikwad

Gaikwad’s leadership and batting form will be crucial for CSK’s success. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate in key moments makes him the lynchpin of the side.

Matheesha Pathirana

Pathirana’s pace and death-overs skills are crucial. They will help restrict batting lineups on flat pitches.

Can CSK Make the Playoffs in IPL 2025?

CSK has a world-class bowling attack and an experienced top order. But, their thin middle order and weak backups could be their undoing. If their primary XI remains fit and firing, CSK have the potential to secure a top-four finish. However, any injuries or loss of form could derail their campaign.