IPL 2025: Chennai Super Kings SWOT analysis & Likely XI

The five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have set a strong team for IPL 2025. Just like the other seasons, CSK will start IPL 2025 as one of the favourites for the competition.

CSK finished the IPL 2024 in fifth place as the defending champions closely missing out on the playoff qualifications. In the last five IPL seasons, while CSK won two titles, they failed to reach the playoffs in the other three seasons. 

Chennai Super Kings: Key additions from the mega auction

After retaining five key names, CSK were strong at the IPL 2025 mega auction. We are experiencing the return of Ravichandran Ashwin along with the overseas players Devon Conway and Sam Curran, while the New Zealander Rachin Ravindra has also returned through the RTM. The key familiar faces are set to continue the Yellow Army culture. 

CSK Full Squad

Batters: Ruturaj Gaikwad (retained), Shaik Rasheed, Rahul Tripathi, Andre Siddarth

Wicketkeepers: MS Dhoni (retained), Devon Conway (New Zealander), Vansh Bedi

All-rounders: Shivam Dube (retained), Ravindra Jadeja (retained), (RTM) Rachin Ravindra (New Zealander),  Ravichandran Ashwin, Anshul Kamboj, Sam Curran (English), Deepak Hooda, Jamie Overton (English), Vijay Shankar, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh, 

Spinners: Noor Ahmad (Afghan), Shreyas Gopal

Pacers: Matheesha Pathirana (retained/ Sri Lankan), Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Choudhary, Gurjapneet Singh, Nathan Ellis (Australian)

Brief SWOT analysis

CSK are very strong after their calculative and clear journey in the mega auction. The team has strong names in almost every place. The CSK have lined up many talented all-rounders in the squad. Their batting and spin-bowling have strong options just like their overseas options, but the experienced pace-bowling option is limited. Injury or off-form in the top pace-bowling option can disturb CSK’s confidence.  

CSK Best possible XI for IPL 2025

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed