3 Players Whom MS Dhoni's CSK Could Use As Impact Player Substitutes In IPL 2025

Debashis Sarangi

CSK players in action [Source: IPLT20.com]CSK players in action [Source: IPLT20.com]

The eighteenth season of the Indian Premier League is all set to get underway on March 22. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the first match of the tournament at the iconic Eden Gardens. 

Talking about Chennai Super Kings, the five-time champions will take on arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in their tournament opener. As the IPL 2025 nears, here are three players who could be used as CSK's impact substitutes in the tournaments. 

1. Anshul Kamboj

Innings
Wickets
Average/SR
3422.50/13.50

(Anshul Kamboj's stats in Emerging Asia Cup 2024)

  • Promising Indian fast bowler Anshul Kamboj looked sublime in the Emerging Asia Cup last year. He was particularly lethal with the new ball and troubled the batters in the powerplay. 
  • Chennai Super Kings have emphasised batting depth while forming their IPL playing XIs in recent times. The impact player rule will allow them to bring Kamboj as a substitute for one of their batters. 
  • The right-arm pacer, who can seam the ball both ways, can be an upgrade over the outgoing Deepak Chahar, courtesy of his higher pace and better fitness. 

2. Shreyas Gopal

Innings
Wickets
Average/SR
5152
25.90/18.94

(Shreyas Gopal's IPL stats)

  • Veteran spinner Shreyas Gopal has been a regular face in the IPL over the years. In his eleven-year-long IPL career, Gopal has represented three different teams. 
  • Gopal, who has a plethora of experience, could play a massive role for CSK on Chennai's spin-friendly track. While his leg spin can make things tough for the batters, his googly could outfox the bests in business in the middle overs. 
  • Gopal could be one of the most probable impact players, especially on spin-friendly pitches at home. 

3. Rahul Tripathi

Innings
Runs
Average/SR
93223627.27/139.31

(Rahul Tripathi's IPL stats)

  • Swashbuckling batter Rahul Tripathi joined Chennai Super Kings squad for INR 3.40 Crores. The right-hander can be CSK's go-accelerator in the initial phase of the game. 
  • Tripathi's fearless batting approach could ensure a solid start for CSK while also providing their middle order batters a platform for a final flourish. 
  • Considering his ability to capitalise on the hard new ball, CSK will likely use Rahul Tripathi as their number three batter in the IPL 2025. 
  • As he doesn't offer any bowling value to them, the five-time champions could use him as a pure batter while swapping him with a pure bowler, who could be either a pacer or a spinner, according to the playing conditions.