Top 5 players to watch out for in the CSK vs KKR IPL 2025 match

Nothing seems to be going in favor of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025. The five-time champions have lost four consecutive matches in the season so far. With only one win in five matches, CSK is placed 9th on the IPL 2025 points table. However, how could someone list out a champion team like CSK in line of being capable of turning things around? The team, now led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, would hope to break the unwanted losing streak when they host the defending champions at home for the CSK vs KKR IPL 2025 match. KKR comes to Chepauk after a narrow defeat against LSG at home in Kolkata. With two wins in five matches, Kolkata Knight Riders are placed 5th on the points table.

Key players to look out for in the CSK vs KKR IPL 2025 match

Unlike CSK, KKR have in-form players taking the games close for the team. Their skipper, Ajinkya Rahane, who tracked his redemption in IPL with CSK back in 2023, has come through with fiery knocks for his team. Chennai Super Kings, meanwhile, seem to be going through a batting slump with no one putting up a consistent show. The bowling department is faring comparatively better, with the likes of Khaleel Ahmed and Noor Ahmad coming up with crucial breakthroughs. While Chepauk has not necessarily been any better for CSK, the five-time champions would like to get a hold back on things at home when Kolkata gets there on Friday.

Ajinkya Rahane

The former CSK pick is now in scathing form as the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders. Ajinkya Rahane has adapted seamlessly to the needs of modern T20 requirements, going big and fast in his onslaught. The skipper charged to 61 off just 35 against Lucknow in the KKR vs LSG fixture, claiming the chase in KKR's favor swiftly. While the team fell short by four runs in the 239-run chase, Rahane's charge at the top after the cheap dismissals of openers Sunil Narine and Quinton de Kock painted a powerful picture of Rahane's abilities. So far in the tournament, Rahane has accumulated 184 runs in 5 innings at a strike rate of 160.00.

Venkatesh Iyer

While a bit late, KKR's trust in the all-rounder has been justified by Venkatesh Iyer this season. The all-rounder, with his 45 off 29-run knock, posed the real threat to LSG in the chase at home. Prior to this innings, Venkatesh Iyer announced his arrival in IPL 2025 with a 60 off 29-run knock against SRH in the match that KKR won. With Iyer back in form, KKR's middle has been further fortified, aided by Rinku Singh in the finisher's position.

Varun Chakravarthy

As shocking as it may sound to some, MS Dhoni is currently the only batter in the CSK camp doing his work. In 5 innings, the 43-year-old batter has smashed 103 runs at a strike rate of 153.73. One may debate that he has still not been able to finish a game, but it's always the easiest argument against a player that comes at Dhoni's position, irrespective of the pit that CSK's upper and middle order seem to have fallen into. Meanwhile, KKR, with Varun Chakravarthy, have just the perfect prospect to curb Dhoni. The spinner has remarkable returns against the former champion captain, dismissing him thrice in the league. Moreover, Chakravarthy's skill set would suit the conditions at Chepauk. Up until now, Chakravarthy has picked 6 wickets across 5 matches at an economy of 6.57.

Khaleel Ahmed

Before the CSK batters and fielders come together to disappoint, CSK bowlers have tried to put up a fight. Khaleel Ahmed has been giving impressive returns with the ball, the PBKS vs CSK match being the latest instance of his prowess. The seamer rattled the stumps behind Prabhsimran Singh and the PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer to give a perfect start to his team. Across the five matches, Ahmed has scalped 10 wickets at an economy of 8.25. Launching early into the attack, Ahmed surely counts as one of the few players in the CSK camp to watch out for in the CSK vs KKR IPL 2025 match.

Noor Ahmad

Noor Ahmad returns to the Chepauk turf, hoping to keep the purple cap to himself. The young Afghan spinner has been the most prized possession for CSK this season. With 11 wickets in 5 matches, Noor is not only the highest wicket-taker for the team but also among all the bowlers in IPL 2025 so far. Coming back home, Chennai will count on their blue-eyed boy to bring the breakthroughs against the defending champions.