3 players released by CSK who could fit in perfectly at RCB in IPL 2025 ft. Rachin Ravindra
A high-octane face-off between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) signaled the end of the league stage in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). With only one playoff spot available, it was a virtual knockout between the two sides.
RCB and Yash Dayal held their nerve in the final over, with the Men in Yellow falling narrowly short. While the Royal Challengers didn't go very far in the playoffs, falling at the Eliminator stage, they made sure to thicken the plot of the CSK-RCB rivalry, which has dominated the IPL over the years.
Despite the two teams being fierce rivals, we've seen a few players represent both franchises over the years. Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Shane Watson, and Robin Uthappa are just some of the many names who have donned both yellow and red in the IPL.
On that note, here are three players released by CSK who could fit in perfectly at RCB in IPL 2025.
#3 Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra's best knock of IPL 2024 came in the final league game against RCB, and the youngster has a sensational record at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. While CSK will be keen on getting him back on their roster for the upcoming season, they might have a great deal of competition from their rivals.
Bengaluru are searching for an opening partner for Virat Kohli, one who can hit spin and is ideally left-handed. Ravindra fits the bill perfectly, and his familiarity with the Chinnaswamy only sweetens the deal. The Kiwi is also a useful bowling option who could contribute a couple of overs in turning conditions.
RCB might be interested in going hard after Ravindra, given his impeccable fit in their playing XII.
#2 Maheesh Theekshana
RCB's spin attack was by far the worst-performing unit in IPL 2024. The likes of Karn Sharma, Mayank Dagar, Swapnil Singh, and Himanshu Sharma inspired virtually no confidence.
Given the unforgiving conditions at the Chinnaswamy, RCB will need elite defensive spinners. Many of them, including the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, and Varun Chakaravarthy, have already been retained by their respective franchises.
But Maheesh Theekshana, who has been an integral part of the CSK side over the last auction cycle, could be up for grabs. The Sri Lankan spinner can bowl to all matchups at all stages of the innings, and his skillset could convert the three-time IPL finalists' bowling attack into one that can challenge the best teams.
#1 Devon Conway
As mentioned earlier, RCB need a left-handed opener who can hit spin. If Ravindra isn't within their reach, they could go after Devon Conway, who missed the last edition of the IPL with an injury.
Conway is a consistent performer and can accelerate against spin in the middle overs. He would make a productive pairing with Kohli, who can take on pace and lift some of the load off the southpaw in that department. The veteran Kiwi would also be relatively cheap at the IPL 2025 auction and may double up as a backup keeping option.