CSK and RCB are fierce IPL rivals [Source: IPLT20.com]
We are inching closer towards the 18th Indian Premier League season with each passing day. The ten participating teams have assembled formidable squads by utilising their budget in the mega auction.
Regarding Chennai Super Kings, the five-team champions made several bold changes to their squad, signing many impactful cricketers in the auction. CSK have been one of the biggest rivals for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and there are three potential debutants who could be game-changers against RCB, as mentioned below.
Noor Ahmad
- Afghanistan's premier spinner Noor Ahmad bagged a lucrative deal worth INR 10 Crores for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025 auction. The left-arm wrist spinner is known for his ability to bamboozle the batters with his guile in the middle overs.
- After releasing Glenn Maxwell, RCB seem to have an issue or two against spin bowling in the middle overs. While the likes of Bethell, Livingstone and David are fabulous pace-hitters, they have some evident flaws against quality spin bowling.
- Noor Ahmad has exhibited prolific form in the ongoing SA20 competition. Considering RCB don't have exceptional spin-hitters in their middle order, his variations might lead to their batting collapse, especially on Chennai's spin-friendly deck.
Rahul Tripathi
- Chennai Super Kings purchased experienced Indian batter Rahul Tripathi for INR 3.40 Crores. Tripathi is one of the finest accelerators in the IPL, having scored 2236 runs at a strike rate of 143.48.
- Besides capitalising on the batting-friendly conditions of M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Tripathi can torment RCB's undercooked spin department, which will be led by the likes of Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh and Suyash Sharma.
- RCB also don't have an express pacer who can trouble the right-handed batter with body-line bowling. Therefore, we reckon Tripathi could certainly be a genuine threat to RCB in IPL 2025.
Khaleel Ahmed
- Khaleel Ahmed is regarded as one of the most talented Indian pacers going around. The left-arm seamer has been a regular face in the IPL, scalping 74 wickets at an average of 25.42 and a strike rate of 17.24.
- Although RCB have the legendary Virat Kohli at the top order, Khaleel could pose serious threat to them, thanks to his remarkable skills with the new ball. The likes of Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar might struggle against the moving ball, while MS Dhoni's guidance behind the stumps has the potential to elevate Khaleel's performance as a new ball bowler for the five-time champions.