It’s a competition between two teams who have encountered an early hurdle in IPL 2025.
The recent loss of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has sparked concerns about their team makeup. There are speculations whether Ruturaj Gaikwad should continue batting at No. 3 or if he could open alongside Devon Conway, while Rachin Ravindra moves down a position.
Could No. 6 be the optimal position for Shivam Dube, who transformed into a spin-hitting specialist during their victorious 2023 campaign? Also, what’s the situation with MS Dhoni, who entered the game at No. 9 against RCB?
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While CSK may appear to be struggling, they are currently on the board, unlike RR who have endured two consecutive losses. Additionally, Yashasvi Jaiswal has yet to find his groove and stand-in captain Riyan Parag has taken on a new role batting at No. 3.
The possible weakness in Shimron Hetmyer’s batting position is a lingering question. Is there a concern that he may be batting too low? Additionally, their batting depth appears to be lacking compared to other teams. This may be due to the absence of another overseas batsman and the inexperience of their two Indian options, Vaibhav Suryavanshi (14 years old) and Kunal Singh Rathore. Another point to consider is their strategy of opting for one less batter when they have the first strike, despite the introduction of the Impact Player rule.
The teams have a lot of questions to tackle this early in the season, with remarkably lengthy lists to confront. RR can take comfort in their achievement of scoring 242 runs while chasing 287 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. On the other hand, CSK’s schedule doesn’t allow for much rest as they will only arrive in Guwahati the day before the match. The long journey to the eastern part of India might present some difficulties.
Fresh allegiances – Deshpande, Theekshana
From being a net bowler to becoming Dhoni’s trusted ally, Seamer Tushar Deshpande has made his way into the RR team. Similarly, Dube, who was previously part of RR, is now a permanent member of the CSK line-up. Additionally, Maheesh Theekshana, known for his expertise in powerplay overs for CSK, is now fulfilling a similar role for RR.
Updates on the team lineup and probable starting players.
While CSK typically remains consistent in their team choices, it may be worth considering adding Conway in place of Curran. This adjustment could open up the possibility of having Shankar as the batting allrounder or Kamboj as the bowling allrounder, while also utilizing Tripathi as a versatile substitute.
The possible lineup for Chennai Super Kings is 1 Rachin Ravindra, 2 Devon Conway, 3 Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain, with Rahul Tripathi or Vijay Shankar at number 4. Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja hold positions 5 and 6 respectively, while MS Dhoni remains the wicketkeeper at number 7. Anshul Kamboj takes position 8 while R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, and Matheesha Pathirana complete the bowling lineup.
It is highly probable that Sanju Samson will serve as their key player for bowling. As seen in the last match in Guwahati, Kolkata Knight Riders’ spinners played a major role, therefore RR could contemplate bringing in Kumar Kartikeya as an option.
Will Gaikwad return to the opening position for CSK? Regardless, he has been brought in to bat in the second over in both matches thus far.
Taking center stage are the acclaimed Riyan Parag and Rahul Tripathi.
Riyan Parag’s initial experience as an IPL captain, albeit temporarily, has presented some difficulties. In addition, he now shoulders the expectation of being a pace-setter at No. 3, in contrast to his previous position at No. 4 where he excelled last season. Despite scoring 4 and 25 in his first two matches, he is eager for another opportunity to perform in front of his home fans.
Known as an opener, Rahul Tripathi rose to fame in the IPL during 2017 when he joined Rising Pune Supergiant mid-season and propelled them to the final. Despite playing for various teams such as KKR, RR, SRH, and currently CSK, he has not been able to establish a consistent position. With only single-digit scores in the first two games of this season, he finds himself under pressure. However, CSK is not known for frequently changing their line-up, giving him another chance to prove himself.
The pitch and playing conditions are important factors to consider in order to have a successful game.
Moeen Ali’s presence prevented KKR from being without Sunil Narine during their match in Guwahati three nights ago. Varun Chakravarthy utilized his slower bowling to his advantage. Coach Stephen Fleming believes CSK may feel more at home in these conditions, as opposed to Chepauk where there is no clear advantage.
Important figures
Since 2024, no other player has been able to surpass Wanindu Hasaranga’s impressive record of 90 wickets in T20 matches.
Khaleel Ahmed has achieved the most impressive record for a current CSK bowler in the IPL powerplay since 2024, taking a total of 11 wickets.
Dhoni has now become CSK’s leading run-scorer, achieving this feat during his 16-ball 30 against RCB by surpassing Suresh Raina’s tally of 4687 runs.
The subsequent trio of matches.
The Royals are wrapping up their season in Guwahati before heading to Mullanpur and Ahmedabad for away games against Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans. Following these matches, they will return to Jaipur to face off against RCB in their first match of IPL 2025 at home.
After this, CSK will have a combination of home and away matches. On Saturday, they will be playing against Delhi Capitals at home in an afternoon game, followed by a match against PBKS three days later. Then on April 11, they will return to Chennai for a game against KKR at their home ground.
