Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Embrace Traditional Strategies to Pave the Way for New Triumphs | Cricbuzz.com

**IPL 2025 – Team Preview: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Rely on Tradition to Ignite New Triumphs**

**By Kaushik Rangarajan**

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In the era defined by Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership, the Chennai Super Kings have adeptly adapted to cricket’s evolving dynamics while yearning for the time-tested comforts of tradition, particularly on their home turf ©BCCI.

**What Changes Lie Ahead for CSK in This Cycle?**

At this juncture, significant overhauls in Chennai’s roster are not anticipated with each new cycle or rule change. The guiding principle of ‘stirred, not shaken’ continues to underpin the franchise’s strategy for team construction. A glance at the probable playing eleven for IPL 2025 reveals that nine players have previously adorned the iconic yellow jersey, an impressive continuity given the rapid evolution of the format and the seismic shifts caused by mega auctions.

Despite the inherent stability of such an environment, upheavals are inevitable. Historically, CSK has missed the playoffs only thrice, but two of those instances have occurred in the last three-year span, with a championship nestled between. The 2023 season marked their pioneering ‘knives-out’ approach to T20 batting, which franchises like KKR and SRH have since elevated.

In the Gaikwad era, CSK is dynamic and forward-thinking, yet the allure of nostalgia at Chepauk is undeniable. The homogenization of conditions in the Impact-Sub era has altered game dynamics at Chepauk over the past two years, diminishing spin’s once-formidable influence. Coaches Stephen Fleming and Michael Hussey noted the fading of their home advantage last season. With a significant investment of INR 19.75 crores in acquiring two spinners – the revered Ravichandran Ashwin and rising star Noor Ahmad – CSK aims to rekindle past glories.

**Full Squad**

Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Andre Siddarth C, Shaik Rasheed, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Ravindra Jadeja, Anshul Kamboj, Sam Curran, Ravichandran Ashwin, Devon Conway, MS Dhoni, Vansh Bedi, Jamie Overton, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shreyas Gopal, Matheesha Pathirana, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Gurjapneet Singh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed

**Projected Best XI**

Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Vijay Shankar/Deepak Hooda, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, MS Dhoni (wk), Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad/Jamie Overton

**Player to Watch: Sam Curran**

Sam Curran, once hailed as the standout player at a T20 World Cup in Australia, is currently experiencing a lull at the international level despite his domestic successes, including back-to-back Hundred trophies. His recent stint with the Desert Vipers, culminating in leading them to the ILT20 finals, underscores his potential. Purchased for INR 2.4 crores by his former team, CSK, Curran could prove a strategic acquisition if deployed in the middle-order batting role where he has recently excelled. A strong IPL season could be pivotal in England’s white-ball reconstruction.

**Potential Breakout Star: Noor Ahmad**

Noor Ahmad, the promising 20-year-old Afghan left-arm wrist spinner, arrives at CSK with impressive credentials and the potential for mainstream breakout. With 24 IPL wickets over two seasons, Ahmad has been strategically acquired for INR 10 crores, the franchise’s most significant outlay at the mega auction. Should the Chepauk pitch favor spin, Ahmad could present formidable challenges to opposing batsmen during the crucial middle overs.

**Season Strategy: Fixture Build-up and Run-in**

CSK often prioritizes capitalizing on their strong home performance. To maintain this trend, an assertive start is anticipated, with four of their opening six fixtures at Chepauk, facing formidable opponents like MI and RCB. Accumulating early points will be crucial to mitigate a challenging season finale, comprising three away games in the final four, notably at venues like Bengaluru and Ahmedabad where CSK faced setbacks last season.

**Home Advantage: A Crucial Metric**

Last season, CSK’s spinners secured only five wickets at home, averaging 55.40, a record low. Despite achieving a commendable economy rate of 6.92, captain Gaikwad will seek greater wicket-taking potency from his spinners, particularly during middle overs, to alleviate the pressure on bowlers facing the rigors of death overs.

**With statistical insights from Roshan Gede**

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