Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings have one of the most formidable squads heading into IPL 2025. Ruturaj Gaikwad & co. have maintained the reputation of retaining players & buying back their former stars, keeping the loyalty factor intact. From the likes of run-machines like Conway, Rachin, Tripathi to a power-packed all-rounder unit that comprises of 11 stars to a spin unit that can terrorize any opposition, CSK boast of a strong squad, at least on paper. But like any other side, they too have their strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths & Opportunities: Top-order, stacked all-rounder and spin unit
CSK’s seasoned opening duo of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway will reunite in IPL 2025. The duo played a major role in guiding the side to their 5th title in 2023. If that wasn’t enough, there’s Rachin Ravindra who will come in at number 3. The New Zealand star has seen a meteoric rise ever since becoming a breakout star in 2024. CSK also have the privilege of playing a seasoned Rahul Tripathi – another veteran who is no stranger to the IPL – in the top-three as an alternative to Rachin or Conway.
Next is their all-round prowess. Featuring the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Sam Curran, Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube among others, the unit boasts of 11 members. The squad strength in this aspect is incredible and this offers the team a lot of options to experiment with through the course of IPL 2025.
Latest news
- BCCI responds to Virat Kohli’s criticism of family on tour policy
- Jasprit Bumrah still unfit? MI coach shares important update, remains tight-lipped on playing XI
- “I have three captains with me,” Hardik Pandya ready for MI redemption with backing from Bumrah-Surya-Rohit
Spin is CSK’s next best strength. Ashwin and Jadeja have reunited in the camp while the five-time champs have spent Rs 10 cr to buy the sensational Noor Ahmed. They have other options too in the form of Deepak Hooda and veteran Shreyas Gopal.
Weakness & Threats: Costly pace attack & unreliable middle-order
CSK’s biggest weakness is their pace attack who are prone to leaking a lot of runs. Take for example Matheesha Pathirana. In SA20 2025, he conceded 178 runs while taking only 3 wickets in 6 matches. While he has earned the reputation of being ‘baby Malinga’ and excelling for CSK, his form can hurt the team. The likes of Mukesh Choudhary, Khaleel Ahmed, Shivam Dube and Vijay Shankar aren’t wicket-takers, which is another concern for the team.
Another weakness is their unreliable middle-order. While the likes of Hooda, Dube, Jadeja and Dhoni are arguably the best finishers in the business, they are not bound to fire in all matches, having the potential to lead the team in a perilous position.
