3 Big Problems CSK Might Face If Shivam Dube Misses IPL 2025



Shivam Dube's injury has jeopardized his IPL 2025 future with CSK [Source: @dubeshivam/instagram.com]Shivam Dube's injury has jeopardized his IPL 2025 future with CSK [Source: @dubeshivam/instagram.com]

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans were left sweating after Shivam Dube suffered a blow to the helmet in the fourth T20I against England. The big-hitting all-rounder had just played a blistering 53 off 34 balls when disaster struck.

While India found a way to finish strong, Dube had to be substituted out due to concussion concerns. With the IPL 2025 around the corner, his availability remains in question.

And if he doesn’t make it, CSK might be in for a massive headache. Over the last two seasons, he has been a key cog in their batting lineup, playing the role of the enforcer in the middle overs. Without him, things might not be as smooth.

Let’s take a detailed look at the 3 Big Problems CSK will face without Shivam Dube

3. Death Overs Power-Hitting Takes a Hit

While Dube isn’t the primary finisher, he plays a crucial bridge role between the middle overs and the death overs. His strike rate of 187.5 in the last four overs shows that he can turn up the heat when needed. His ability to hit clean sixes against pace bowlers gives CSK extra muscle going into the death overs.

Without him, CSK will have to rely heavily on MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja to do the job in the final overs. That could make them a bit more predictable and easier to plan against, especially for teams with strong death bowling units.


2. Loss of Firepower Against Spin

CSK’s batting template has always revolved around dominating spin in the middle overs, especially at their home ground, Chepauk. And Shivam Dube has been their biggest weapon against spinners. He neutralizes spin attacks like a pro by using his reach to clear the boundaries with ease.

In IPL 2023 and 2024, he smashed:

  • 22 fours and 38 sixes in overs 12-16, making him one of the best in that phase.
  • Had a boundary every 5.6 balls, which means he never let bowlers settle.

Without him, CSK might struggle to impose themselves against quality spinners, something they have built their success around in the past few seasons.

1. Lack of a Game-Changer in the Middle Overs

Batting in the middle overs (7-16) is no child’s play. The field is spread out, dot balls pile up, and the scoring rate can take a nosedive. This is where Shivam Dube has been gold for Chennai Super Kings.

He has mastered the art of clearing the ropes at will, especially against spinners. His numbers from the last two IPL seasons paint a clear picture:

  • Overs 7-11: 140 runs at a strike rate of 119.7 with 35% dot balls.
  • Overs 12-16: 464 runs at a strike rate of 166.3 with 30.5% dot balls.
  • Overs 17-20: 210 runs at a strike rate of 187.5 with 32.1% dot balls.

Dube thrives in the crucial 12-16 over phase, where he makes up for the slow start with big hits. CSK doesn’t have another Indian batter who can do this job with as much consistency. Losing him would leave a huge void in the engine room of their batting lineup for IPL 2025.