IPL 2025: Predicted Chennai Super Kings playing 11

The IPL Auction 2025 recently concluded in Jeddah, and it was a spectacle to watch out for. The teams splurged more than 600 crores on the players in the auction to build formidable squads for the next cycle of three years. A few teams came up with using up all the retentions, whereas a few teams had very few players on the retention list, leading them to build a fully blown new lineup. The teams have shown confidence that they have the right players on the auction table, beating their competitors.

Coming to the auction, Chennai Super Kings had their core sorted as they retained the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Mathisha Pathirana, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and Shivam Dube, going to the auction with a purse of INR 55 crores.

The Steven Fleming-coached side was one of the shrewd teams in the auction as they didn't splurge heavily on any one individual. Chennai Super Kings’ highest-paid player was Noor Ahmed, with CSK buying him at INR 10 crore, beating Gujarat Titans Right to Match option after CSK bought the player for INR 5 crore.

With a packed lineup with multiple options, here is how Chennai Super Kings can field their strongest XI in the upcoming IPL, which is set to start in March, 2025:
 
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad

After Suresh Raina, if any player has consistently performed for the side, it has to be Ruturaj Gaikwad. The batsman from Vidarbha has been instrumental over the years for the side as an opener and ability to anchor the innings is second to none. The skipper will look forward to enhance the chances of CSK to lift the cup with his impeccable batting. 

2. Devon Conway

Chennai Super Kings were able to bag the services of Devon Conway for a price less than they expected after they got the 33-year-old for a sum of INR 6.25 crores. The swashbuckling southpaw will be key for the side home and away with the bat and gun fielding. 

3. Rachin Ravindra

In three words, “It is Astonishing”. While Rachin was in all praise for Chennai Super Kings for allowing him to practice in the nets before facing India, CSK made sure that the player returns to the side after delivering great results. The team did not face any big challenges in the auction as they were able to get him for INR 4 crore. 

4.  Rahul Tripathi

After Rahul Tripathi had a breakout season with Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016 and 2017, he went dull but he has again rejoined the same group where he enjoyed the success. He has been brought in at INR 3.4 crore and will look to deliver the success for the franchise with the bat. 
 
5. Shivam Dube

Shivam Dube's entry to Chennai Super Kings changed his career upside down. He scored runs left, right and centre while batting in the middle-order. As the IPL 2025 season approaches, he will look to replicate similar performance. For the unversed, the all-rounder has been retained by the Yellow Army for INR 12 crore. 

6. Deepak Hooda

The right-handed all-rounder peaked in IPL a few seasons ago but failed to make it big after donning the India jersey. The utility player can be used as a floater, thanks to his ability to bat at various positions. He was brought in for a price of INR 1.7 crore. Besides, he can also chip in a few overs of spin at Chepauk. 
 
7. Mahendra Singh Dhoni

While Mahendra Singh Dhoni got retained in the uncapped category, the former Team India and multiple-time winner with CSK has unfinished business to do. After failing to qualify for the knockouts last season, he will look forward to have a last dance with a squad that has a combination of youth and experience. 

8. Ravindra Jadeja

The 36-year-old all-rounder was retained by the Chennai-based outfit for a sum of INR 18 crore, making him one of the most expensive retentions at CSK. Ever since his move to Chennai Super Kings, he has stayed loyal to the side and contributed with both bat and ball, including that 10 from 2 deliveries to win the final. He will hope to emulate the same.

9. Ravichandran Ashwin

Before the auction started, the fans wanted Ravichandran Ashwin to return to his home, literally and figuratively. When CSK began to bid for the off-spinner, every other team wanted the “Professor” of cricket on their side. The bidding went up to INR 9.75 crore, with CSK having a final laugh at the auction table. He will look to get his hands on the IPL trophy, which has continued to evade CSK for a while. 

10. Matheesha Pathirana

CSK has retained Matheesha Pathirana for a sum of INR 13 crore. Pathirana has continued to impress Sri Lanka as well as Chennai Super Kings’ fans with his death over bowling, leading to his retention. The 22-year-old has 20 games under his belt with 34 wickets and an economy of 7.88. He will form the international contingent of CSK bowling.

11. Khaleel Ahmed

The left-arm fast bowler, who has represented multiple sides during his tenure in the Indian Premier League, will be an integral part of CSK's bowling unit in the upcoming season. CSK roped him in for a fee of INR 4.8 crore. With this ability to deliver the slower balls and with Chepauk having a natural advantage to bowlers, he will be key for CSK.

12. Noor Ahmad

The Afghan superstar, Noor Ahmed, has continued to grab the eyeballs of the fans and franchises with his tricky wrist spin. Ever since Rashid Khan made it big in the Indian Premier League, more and more Afghan players are coming through the ranks and Noor is one among them.  

In the auction 2025, Noor Ahmed costed CSK a whopping INR 10 crore. The player will be an 'X' factor that Ruturaj and Co. will look to utilise on a tricky surface like Chepauk.  

Playing XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad ©, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mathisha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed

Impact Players: Noor Ahmad/ Sam Curran