CSK Team IPL 2025: Why Chennai Super Kings still cannot be taken lightly

MS Dhoni walks out to bat (BCCI/File Photo)

CSK Team IPL 2025: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are still one of the most reliable and strong teams in the league as they get ready for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). Their campaign will be defined by their strengths and shortcomings, just like any other side.

CSK’s strengths are their robust spin attack and batting consistency, while their vulnerabilities include the possible absence of a trustworthy powerplay wicket-taker and a late-game backup for Matheesha Pathirana.

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Strengths:

CSK has a strong spin unit that is especially well-suited to the conditions at Chepauk. CSK has always been dominating at home, making their stronghold difficult to overcome.

CSK's batting lineup is deep and strong, providing a range of aggressive and stable alternatives all through the innings.

The top and middle order of CSK is still dependable with Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Shivam Dube, and MS Dhoni. In the middle overs, Dube's powerful hitting against spinners gives him an added advantage.

Under the guidance of MS Dhoni, CSK boasts a roster of seasoned players who know how to perform on a large platform.

The presence of versatile all-rounders strengthens the team. CSK boasts of a strong batting order and a variety of bowling options.

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Weaknesses:

The lack of a true fast bowler in the speed bowling squad and the unpredictability of their powerplay and death-over pace attack could be a big problem for CSK. Death bowling has been problematic for CSK in the past and they may find it difficult in the latter overs in this season too.

MS Dhoni and Jadeja are aging, raising concerns about fielding and long-term squad planning. Finding a trustworthy backup all-rounder to support the middle and lower order may be difficult for CSK. If they are unable to deliver, CSK's reliance on their top-order batsmen may become problematic.

With a well-rounded team, seasoned management, and a significant home advantage, CSK is still a serious contender for the 2025 Indian Premier League. But whether they dominate the season or struggle at crucial points will depend on Dhoni's future choices, death bowling issues, and an aging core.

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CSK squad:

Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Andre Siddarth C, Shaik Rasheed, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Ravindra Jadeja, Anshul Kamboj, Sam Curran, Ravichandran Ashwin, Devon Conway, MS Dhoni, Vansh Bedi, Jamie Overton, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shreyas Gopal, Matheesha Pathirana, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Gurjapneet Singh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed