Chennai Super Kings IPL 2025 Preview: Squad, Stats, and Predicted XI

Here's a look at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as they prepare for IPL 2025, including their squad, key stats, and predicted lineup. Will their strong spin attack at Chepauk help them dominate again?

Coach: Stephen Fleming

Home Ground: M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Best IPL Finishes: Champions (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023)
Last Season Finish: Fifth place

Key Stats

1. Spin-Friendly Chepauk

   • 7.13: The economy rate for spinners at Chepauk, which is the lowest among IPL venues with over 15 matches.
     Chennai’s home ground is perfect for spinners, with players like Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, and Noor Ahmad expected to play key roles in IPL 2025.

2. MS Dhoni - The Finisher

   • 220.54: MS Dhoni’s strike rate in IPL 2024, the second-highest for any player with 100+ runs in a season.
     Dhoni continues to excel as a finisher, hitting 13 sixes and 14 fours in just 73 balls. He remained unbeaten in 8 of his 11 innings, proving his power in the final overs.

3. Concerns Over PowerPlay

   • 8.55: CSK’s PowerPlay run rate over the last three seasons, the third-lowest in IPL.
     With Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra likely opening, CSK may continue to play it safe in the first six overs. Gaikwad’s strike rate is 131.90, while Ravindra’s is higher at 140.46, meaning the team might need more firepower in the middle order to speed things up.

Predicted Playing XI

Top Order

• Ruturaj Gaikwad
• Rachin Ravindra
• Rahul Tripathi

Middle Order & All-Rounders

• Shivam Dube
• Ravindra Jadeja
• MS Dhoni
• Sam Curran

Bowlers

• R Ashwin
• Noor Ahmad
• Matheesha Pathirana
• Khaleel Ahmed

Impact Player: Andre Siddharth / Anshul Kamboj

Final Thoughts

CSK's success in IPL 2025 will depend on their spinners performing well at Chepauk and their ability to boost their PowerPlay performance. Can the defending champions adjust to their changing squad and retain their winning edge?