When Chennai Super Kings (CSK) went on to take the field to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during Match 57 of the season for IPL 2025, two notable omissions from the playing XI had not gone unnoticed among fans — England all-rounder Sam Curran and young Indian batsman Shaik Rasheed. In a season that has been lacking in terms of momentum for CSK, team management now openly experimented with combinations as they geared up to look towards the future.

In the pre-match briefing, an older CSK player spoke about the emotional value of the ground and how much cricket he used to play there as a child. He made a point that at this stage of the season, the mindset had changed to planning for the next year — figuring out what hasn't worked and where things need to improve in batting and bowling. With playoff chances all but eliminated, this change of strategy is not unexpected.

The CSK think tank is using these remaining fixtures to test bench strength and identify the core squad moving forward. "We’re giving chances to players to figure out our best XI or XII," the player added. It’s a practical move to bring fresh talent into the mix while also analyzing how they fare against quality opposition like KKR.

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Why Curran and Rasheed Miss Out

The reason for firing Shaik Rasheed is due to his disappointing performances over the course of the season. Though he began with promise, Rasheed has failed to convert starts and deliver under pressure. Conversely, replacement Urvil Patel has been in red-hot touch over the past domestic matches and has earned his selection on merit.

As for Sam Curran, the selection looks more tactical than on form. The Eden Gardens pitch is likely to provide turn, and Devon Conway, with his reputation for being a cool customer and having a strong hand against spin, has been selected as a better option for these conditions.

Shaik Rasheed, a 20-year-old cricketer from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, has been making impressive strides in Indian cricket. Born on September 24, 2004, Rasheed is a right-handed top-order batter who gained national attention as the vice-captain of India’s U19 World Cup-winning team in 2022. His composed half-century (50 off 84 balls) in the final against England played a crucial role in securing India’s victory. With 201 runs at an average of 50.25 in the tournament, he displayed remarkable consistency and maturity at a young age.

Former Indian selector MSK Prasad praised Rasheed as one of the country’s brightest emerging talents, pointing to his composed technique and ability to deliver under pressure. Rasheed's batting style features elegant strokes and well-timed drives, earning him recognition as a technically sound player. His calm demeanor and match awareness have further strengthened his image as a dependable top-order batter with the potential to represent India at the senior level.

In the IPL, Rasheed was first signed by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2023 for INR 20 lakh. Ahead of IPL 2025, CSK retained their faith in him, acquiring him for INR 30 lakh. He made his debut against Lucknow Super Giants, stepping in as a replacement for Devon Conway. Rasheed has since gained valuable insights and experience under the mentorship of legendary skipper MS Dhoni and other senior CSK players, helping him sharpen his technique and develop a more focused and alert approach to the game.

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Domestic Dominance of Shaik Rasheed

The domestic competition has found Rasheed to be one of its most distinguished performers. During the 2024-25 season of the Ranji Trophy, Rasheed made a powerful double-century performance for Andhra Pradesh, which established him as a player ready for higher-level competitions. Rasheed's first-class performance consists of scoring 504 runs in 9 matches with 2 centuries, together with 458 List-A runs across 7 matches containing one century. Rasheed demonstrates a strong desire to score runs and maintain consistency among cricket tournaments through his outstanding performances.

His composure, along with his high work standards, positions Rasheed as an essential member of CSK's youth-oriented approach even though he needs more experience in the IPL. The fans on X exploded into enthusiasm after his opening match to show support for his likelihood of becoming an essential team member. With Dhoni’s guidance and a polished technique, Rasheed is poised to not only cement his place in CSK but also make a mark on the international stage, carrying the hopes of Andhra and Indian cricket fans alike.