3 areas where CSK's IPL 2025 squad is better than IPL 2024
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were among the most satisfied contingent after an eventful 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) meg auction. The five-time champions needed to keep a transition in mind, and cover all the bases after retaining their core after the 2024 season.
CSK had a relatively well-balanced squad in the 2024 season. However, injuries to Devon Conway, and then later on Matheesha Pathirana, coupled with several players battling poor form, particularly towards the end of the league stage, led to them finishing fifth in the points table, without any playoffs action.
With a tight purse compared to other franchises and several spots to fill, CSK tackled the auction in their typical shrewd manner. They were not overwhelmed by the amount of talent available but instead stuck to their plan, and at the end of the day, managed to almost cover all of the bases.
CSK squad for IPL 2025 after Auction
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Retained), Shivam Dube (Retained), Ravindra Jadeja (Retained), Matheesha Pathirana (Retained), MS Dhoni (Retained), Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Rachin Ravindra, R Ashwin, Khaleel Ahmed, Noor Ahmed, Vijay Shankar, Sam Curran, Shaik Rasheed, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary, Deepak Hooda, Gurjapneet Singh, Nathan Ellis, Jamie Overton, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, and Ramakrishna Ghosh.
On that note, let us take a look at three areas where CSK's IPL 2025 squad is better than the IPL 2024.
#1 Middle Order
CSK's middle-order was largely handled by Shivam Dube in the previous edition. Ajinkya Rahane's comeback sheen had worn off, while Daryl Mitchell had struggled in the role after his big-money move as well. A stacked middle-order with depth to follow has become a priority in the modern T20 era, as the momentum has to be ensured throughout the innings.
Keeping this in mind, CSK went for the intent-driven Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, and Sam Curran, who could be used as a floater if needed.
With Conway back at the top of the order, that leaves Rachin Ravindra as a potential No.3 option as well, giving CSK an improved middle order compared to the previous edition.
#2 Pace Bowling
CSK had slim chances of bringing back any of their former pacers, and the competitive auction environment meant that they lost out on Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, and Simarjeet Singh. This left the franchise to build a new-look attack, with Pathirana already retained.
A left-arm seamer was high on CSK's list. They went up to INR 7.25 crore, before bowling out. However, they roped in Khaleel Ahmed for a decent price, giving them the new ball swing option in Chahar's absence. CSK also managed to bring back Mukesh Choudhary, while Sam Curran and Gurjapneet Singh make up a quartet of left-arm seam bowling options.
With Khaleel Ahmed largely handling the new ball, Anshul Kamboj being a reliable backup, and spinners there to control the middle overs, the remaining priority was the death overs. While they do have Matheesha Pathirana as the undisputed spearhead in that regard, they needed someone to partner with him for the tough task.
Tushar Deshpande had relatively done well in that role, working closely with Dwayne Bravo, and Mustafizur Rahman was another option. CSK have first-hand experience of Sam Curran's death bowling exploits, making him a safe option. They also managed to get a hold of Nathan Ellis, one of the smartest death bowlers going around in the circuit.
The latter could be a vital cog in the proceedings, particularly considering Pathirana's recurring injury concerns. A reliable backup for the Sri Lankan pacer was a huge priority, and they have hit the jackpot with Ellis with a bargain sum.
#3 Spin attack
A potent spin attack is synonymous with CSK. However, last season was perhaps one where they had almost no impact or say in the proceedings. There was only one spinner among their top seven-wicket takers for the season - Ravindra Jadeja with eight wickets. The remaining spinners - Maheesh Theekshana, Mitchell Santner, and Moeen Ali finished with a combined tally of nine wickets in 37 overs.
Dew at the Chepauk, coupled with Ruturaj Gaikwad's miserable run with the toss might have played a small role, but it was clear that CSK needed a major upgrade in their spin forces. The statement was clear when no bids were placed by the franchise to bring Maheesh Theekshana or Mitchell Santner back.
Instead, CSK went all out to bring back Ravichandran Ashwin and Noor Ahmad for a combined sum of INR 19.75 crore, with Shreyas Gopal's late base price acquisition rounding that sum to INR 20 crore, more than a third of their entire budget.
The experience of Ashwin, and his grip on home conditions, made his homecoming inevitable. On the other hand, Noor Ahmad's unique skill set as a left-arm wrist spinner, along with his ability to pick up wickets and bamboozle batters with his variations makes him the perfect addition to the spin attack alongside the Ashwin-Jadeja pair.