3 Surprise Packages In CSK Squad Who Can Be Match-Winners In IPL 2025

Debashis Sarangi∙ Updated: Jan 31 2025, 7:07 PM

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

Chennai Super Kings have been one of the most consistent teams in the history of the Indian Premier League. Fondly called MS Dhoni's army, the Super Kings have clinched the coveted trophy on five occasions while finishing as the runners-up in five editions of the tournament. 

CSK had a roller-coaster ride in the IPL 2024, finishing fifth with seven victories in fourteen appearances. In order to revamp their core, they released several players while purchasing some outright match-winners in the mega auction. 

If we look at CSK's squad for IPL 2025, players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni and Matheesha Pathirana are definitely going to be their most valuable assets in the tournament. However, there are three surprise packages who have the potential to deliver for the franchise and establish themselves as game-changers in the IPL 2025. 

1. Vijay Shankar

  • Experienced Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar is regarded as one of the most technically solid batters in the domestic circuit. The 34-year-old cricketer from Tamil Nadu revitalised his T20 career during his brief stint with Gujarat Titans, amassing 403 runs at a healthy strike rate of 136.61. 
  • Vijay Shankar is an excellent player of both pace and spin, having showcased his calibre as a dependable middle order batter in the IPL. While his spin-hitting can be a boon for CSK on Chennai's spin-friendly deck, Shankar has a solid base against hard-length bowling. In the IPL 2023, he had a breakthrough season as a middle-order batter, scoring 250 runs at an average of 35.7 and a strike rate of 161.3 in the last two phases of the game. 
  • Furthermore, he adds value to the table as a multidimensional cricketer and can be effective with his cutters and variations as a potent bowling option at his home ground. 

2. Shreyas Gopal

  • Veteran Indian spinner Shreyas Gopal could be a crucial player in CSK's IPL 2025 setup thanks to his ability and experience. 
  • The leg-spinner has scalped 52 wickets in as many IPL appearances. Although his average and strike rate are slightly on the higher side, the spin-friendly deck of Chepauk might help him rediscover his mojo in the tournament. 
  • A bowler with a classical action, Gopal can trouble the batters with sharp turn. Apart from the conventional leg break, he has a well-disguised googly in his armour, making him a force to reckon with the ball. Gopal, who has 124 wickets in 101 T20 innings, can also benefit from MS Dhoni's inputs from behind the stumps and wreak havoc in the middle overs.  

3. Anshul Kamboj

  • A fast bowler who makes the new ball talk, Anshul Kamboj grabbed the limelight during his IPL stint with Mumbai Indians. Although he was a tad expensive, he managed to deliver several spectacular pacy deliveries during the tournament. 
  • Kamboj was India's strike bowler in the emerging Asia Cup last year, scalping four wickets at a strike rate of 13.50. In 22 T20 innings, the right-arm speedster has bagged 26 wickets at a healthy strike rate of 14.9. 
  • These numbers suggest that he has the potential to lead CSK's pace attack in the post-Deepak Chahar era. More importantly, CSK's mastermind MS Dhoni knows how to nurture youngsters and bring out the best in them. So, his guidance can help Kamboj understand his role and perform admirably for the five-time champions.