MS Dhoni Promoted in Batting Order, Rs 10 Crore Player Dropped: Ambati Rayudu’s Ideal CSK Lineup for IPL 2025 | Cricket Insight

### MS Dhoni’s Batting Order Elevated; Rs 10 Crore Star Excluded: Ambati Rayudu’s Ideal CSK XI for IPL 2025

Eminent former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) cricketer Ambati Rayudu has sparked keen interest with his strategic selection for the team’s ideal playing XI for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

**Updated by NDTV Sports Desk – March 19, 2025, 07:30 AM IST**

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) set their sights on an unprecedented sixth IPL championship in the 2025 season, under the astute leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad. The franchise witnessed substantial changes during the IPL 2025 mega auction. Notably, they capitalized on the Right-to-Match (RTM) option to secure Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad for an impressive Rs 10 crore. Despite this, Ambati Rayudu—celebrated for clinching three titles with CSK—opted to exclude Ahmad from his preferred squad for IPL 2025. Rayudu also proposed a tactical adjustment for MS Dhoni, advancing him up the batting order.

In his dialogue on Star Sports, Rayudu selected Ruturaj Gaikwad as the lead-off batsman, partnering him with Devon Conway at the opening. The third spot was filled by Rachin Ravindra, who recently earned the Player of the Tournament accolade at the Champions Trophy 2025. For the pivotal No. 4 position, Rayudu contemplated between Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, and Vijay Shankar.

For the third overseas slot, Rayudu preferred the versatile Sam Curran over Noor Ahmad, a decision that stirred discussions, especially given Curran’s placement at No. 8 in his lineup. Consequently, the middle order comprised Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, and a repositioned MS Dhoni at 5, 6, and 7, respectively. This strategic shift allows the legendary ex-India skipper a more impactful role, as he predominantly batted at No. 8 in IPL 2024, with limited opportunities.

In the bowling arsenal, Rayudu paired Ravichandran Ashwin with Jadeja to tackle the anticipated spin-favoring conditions at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium. Amongst fast bowlers, Matheesha Pathirana found favor, while Rayudu opted for the youthful exuberance of 24-year-old Anshul Kamboj as the leading Indian pace bowler over the seasoned Khaleel Ahmed.

**Ambati Rayudu’s Projected CSK XI:**
– Ruturaj Gaikwad
– Devon Conway
– Rachin Ravindra
– Rahul Tripathi/Deepak Hooda/Vijay Shankar
– Shivam Dube
– Ravindra Jadeja
– MS Dhoni
– Sam Curran
– Ravichandran Ashwin
– Anshul Kamboj
– Matheesha Pathirana

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