IPL 2025 Auction – Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most celebrated franchises in IPL history, emerged from the 2025 auction with a carefully crafted squad. Over two days of intense bidding, CSK added 20 players to their roster, showcasing a mix of experienced stalwarts, dynamic all-rounders, and emerging talents. The Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad became CSK’s most expensive signing at ₹10 crore, underscoring the franchise’s strategic emphasis on strengthening their spin department.
Here’s an in-depth look at the CSK IPL 2025 squad and what it means for the team as they gear up for another title pursuit.
CSK’s IPL 2025 Squad: Full List
Retained Players:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (₹18 crore): A reliable top-order batter and future captaincy prospect.
- Matheesha Pathirana (₹13 crore): A lethal death bowler, nicknamed “Baby Malinga.”
- Shivam Dube (₹12 crore): A versatile all-rounder with the ability to clear boundaries at will.
- Ravindra Jadeja (₹18 crore): The backbone of CSK’s all-round game.
- MS Dhoni (₹4 crore): The legendary skipper and wicketkeeper-batter, who continues to lead the side.
New Signings:
- Devon Conway (₹6.25 crore): A dependable top-order batter with the ability to anchor and accelerate.
- Rahul Tripathi (₹3.40 crore): An aggressive Indian batter who strengthens the middle order.
- Rachin Ravindra (₹4 crore): A Kiwi all-rounder who provides depth in both batting and spin bowling.
- R. Ashwin (₹9.75 crore): A master tactician and off-spinner, returning to his IPL roots with CSK.
- Khaleel Ahmed (₹4.80 crore): A left-arm pacer adding variety to the bowling attack.
- Noor Ahmad (₹10 crore): The Afghanistan spinner, CSK’s most expensive signing, known for his sharp googlies.
- Vijay Shankar (₹1.20 crore): A utility player who can chip in with both bat and ball.
- Sam Curran (₹2.40 crore): A dynamic all-rounder making a comeback to CSK.
- Shaik Rasheed (₹30 lakh): A young Indian batter with great potential.
- Anshul Kamboj (₹3.40 crore): A promising domestic pacer.
- Mukesh Choudhary (₹30 lakh): A left-arm seamer with IPL experience.
- Deepak Hooda (₹1.70 crore): A power-hitter and part-time off-spinner, useful in the middle order.
- Gurjapneet Singh (₹2.20 crore): A young Indian fast bowler.
- Nathan Ellis (₹2 crore): An Australian pacer known for his accuracy in the death overs.
- Jamie Overton (₹1.50 crore): A bowling all-rounder from England.
- Kamlesh Nagarkoti (₹30 lakh): A speedster who strengthens the pace department.
- Ramakrishna Ghosh (₹30 lakh): A domestic talent picked as a backup.
- Shreyas Gopal (₹30 lakh): A leg-spinner with IPL experience.
- Vansh Bedi (₹55 lakh): A young all-rounder with promise.
- Andre Siddarth (₹30 lakh): A backup player to add depth to the squad.
Key Highlights of CSK’s Auction Strategy
1. Focus on Spin Bowling
Spin bowling has always been central to CSK’s success, especially on the spin-friendly tracks at Chepauk. The acquisition of Noor Ahmad for ₹10 crore reaffirms this strategy. The 19-year-old spinner from Afghanistan impressed in T20 leagues worldwide, and his sharp variations make him a formidable weapon.
The return of R. Ashwin adds an experienced head to the spin department. With Rachin Ravindra and Shreyas Gopal, CSK has ensured they have a variety of spin options to dominate at home and on subcontinental pitches.
2. Strengthening the All-Round Department
CSK has always relied on multi-dimensional players, and the 2025 auction was no different. The return of Sam Curran, a proven match-winner, bolsters the team’s lower middle order and adds a left-arm seam option. Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Vijay Shankar, and Rachin Ravindra ensure that CSK has a deep pool of all-rounders to provide flexibility in team combinations.
3. Pace Attack with Variety
The pace department now boasts a mix of experienced and young bowlers. Khaleel Ahmed’s left-arm angle complements the express pace of Matheesha Pathirana and Nathan Ellis’s death-over accuracy. Emerging talents like Gurjapneet Singh and Kamlesh Nagarkoti provide depth and promise for the future.
4. Solidifying the Batting Lineup
CSK’s batting lineup received significant upgrades with the inclusion of Devon Conway and Rahul Tripathi. Conway’s consistency at the top allows CSK to build stable starts, while Tripathi’s aggressive style perfectly suits the middle order. Adding young talent like Shaik Rasheed ensures a balance between youth and experience.
Star Signings: Impact Players for CSK
Noor Ahmad (₹10 crore)
The left-arm wrist-spinner from Afghanistan emerged as CSK’s marquee signing. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and middle overs makes him a vital addition to the squad. With pitches at Chepauk favoring spinners, Ahmad could play a pivotal role in CSK’s campaign.
R. Ashwin (₹9.75 crore)
Returning to the franchise where he started his IPL journey, Ashwin brings unmatched experience and tactical acumen. His ability to bowl in various phases of the game and contribute with the bat adds tremendous value.
Rachin Ravindra (₹4 crore)
The young Kiwi all-rounder offers a perfect mix of batting stability and left-arm spin. His ability to adapt to different roles makes him an exciting prospect.
Rahul Tripathi (₹3.40 crore)
Tripathi’s fearless batting style aligns with CSK’s aggressive brand of cricket. His versatility allows him to bat anywhere in the top or middle order, providing CSK with flexibility.
Devon Conway (₹6.25 crore)
Conway’s consistency and calm demeanor at the top make him a crucial component of CSK’s batting setup. His ability to anchor innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate ensures solid starts.
CSK’s Strengths Post Auction
- Depth in All Departments: With a well-rounded squad, CSK can field strong playing XIs tailored to specific match conditions.
- Experienced Core: Retaining players like Dhoni, Jadeja, and Gaikwad ensures continuity and leadership.
- Spin Arsenal: The combination of Noor Ahmad, Ashwin, and Gopal makes CSK a force on slow pitches.
- Dynamic All-Rounders: Players like Sam Curran, Dube, and Rachin Ravindra add flexibility in batting and bowling.
Challenges and Weaknesses
- Over-Reliance on Senior Players: MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja remain crucial to CSK’s success. Injuries or form issues with these players could impact the team’s performance.
- Middle-Order Stability: While the top order looks solid, the middle order’s reliance on players like Shivam Dube and Deepak Hooda may be a concern against quality bowling attacks.
- Pace Bowling on Flat Tracks: Although the pace attack has variety, questions remain about its effectiveness on flat batting pitches.
Predicted Playing XI for IPL 2025
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain)
- Devon Conway
- Rahul Tripathi
- Shivam Dube
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Sam Curran
- MS Dhoni (Wicketkeeper)
- R. Ashwin
- Noor Ahmad
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Khaleel Ahmed
Conclusion
Chennai Super Kings’ performance in the IPL 2025 auction reflects their consistent approach to building a team that thrives on balance and experience. With a formidable spin department, an array of all-rounders, and a dependable batting lineup, CSK looks well-equipped to challenge for the title. However, their reliance on senior players and the need for consistent performances from key signings like Noor Ahmad and Rachin Ravindra will be critical.
Under the leadership of MS Dhoni, likely in his farewell IPL season, CSK fans can look forward to yet another exciting campaign as the franchise aims to add another trophy to its illustrious legacy.
