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Former India's star batter Ambati Rayudu has publicly shared his preferred playing XI for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. A notable aspect of his selection was the omission of Noor Ahmad, opting instead for a strategy that relies on just two primary spinners. With the IPL 2025 season commencing in less than a week, anticipation is building for the two-month-long cricket spectacle.
Among the teams considered strong contenders for the title is the Chennai Super Kings. Under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, and bolstered by a roster of high-caliber players, including the legendary MS Dhoni. Five-time champions CSK's blend of experienced veterans and talented newcomers makes them a formidable force in the tournament.
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CSK are set to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign with a clash against five-time holders Mumbai Indians (MI) which will be played on March 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
As the team's first game approaches, Ambati Rayudu has revealed his preferred playing XI for the CSK. He envisions Ruturaj Gaikwad, the team's captain, partnering with Devon Conway to open the batting. This pairing proved highly successful during the 2023 IPL season, and both players will be eager to rekindle their formidable partnership in the upcoming tournament.
Rayudu has placed Rachin Ravindra, who ran riot with the bat in the just-concluded Champions Trophy, at the number three position. For the crucial number four spot, Rayudu expressed some uncertainty, suggesting that Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, or Vijay Shankar could fill the role. Following them, he has slotted the powerful Shivam Dube into the number five position, anticipating his ability to provide explosive hitting in the middle order.
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He then wants to see Ravindra Jadeja occupying the number six position. The all-rounder is anticipated to be an instrumental contributor, wielding his skills with both bat and ball.
Following Jadeja, MS Dhoni is slated to take the number seven spot. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter, who played a crucial role batting lower down the order in the previous season, is expected to make a an impact once again. Rayudu's selection also includes Sam Curran, chosen ahead of Noor Ahmad, indicating his preference for Curran's all-round abilities.
The spin department will be further strengthened by Ravichandran Ashwin, the second spinner in Rayudu's chosen XI. For the pace attack, Rayudu has opted for the youthful Anshul Kamboj and the distinctive Matheesha Pathirana. He also noted that the franchise will strategically utilize an Indian impact player, tailoring their selection based on the prevailing match conditions.
Ambati Rayudu's CSK playing XI for IPL 2025:
Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda/Rahul Tripathi/Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Sam Curran, Matheesha Pathirana, Anshul Kamboj
CSK's full schedule for IPL 2025:
March 23 (Sunday) – CSK vs Mumbai Indians (MI) in Chennai
March 28 (Friday) – CSK vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Chennai
March 30 (Sunday) – CSK vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati
April 5 (Saturday) – CSK vs Delhi Capitals (DC) in Chennai
April 8 (Tuesday) – CSK vs Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur
April 11 (Friday) – CSK vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Chennai
April 14 (Monday) – CSK vs Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow
April 20 (Sunday) – CSK vs Mumbai Indians (MI) in Mumbai
April 25 (Friday) – CSK vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Chennai
April 30 (Wednesday) – CSK vs Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Chennai
May 3 (Saturday) – CSK vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Bengaluru
May 7 (Wednesday) – CSK vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Kolkata
May 12 (Monday) – CSK vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Chennai
May 18 (Sunday) – CSK vs Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad
CSK's full squad for IPL 2025:
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Devon Conway (Rs. 6.25 crore), Rahul Tripathi (Rs. 3.40 crore), Rachin Ravindra (Rs. 4 crore), R. Ashwin (Rs. 9.75 crore), Khaleel Ahmed (Rs. 4.80 crore), Noor Ahmad (Rs. 10 crore), Vijay Shankar (Rs. 1.20 crore), Sam Curran (Rs. 2.40 crore), Shaik Rasheed (Rs. 30 lakh), Anshul Kamboj (Rs. 3.40 crore), Mukesh Choudhary (Rs. 30 lakh), Deepak Hooda (Rs. 1.70 crore), Gurjapneet Singh (Rs. 2.20 crore), Nathan Ellis (Rs. 2 crore), Jamie Overton (Rs. 1.50 crore), Kamlesh Nagarkoti (Rs. 30 lakh), Ramakrishna Ghosh (Rs. 30 lakh), Shreyas Gopal (Rs. 30 lakh), Vansh Bedi (Rs. 55 lakh), Andre Siddarth (Rs. 30 lakh).
