Conway And...? CSK Could Drop These Flopped Champions Trophy Stars From IPL 2025 XI

Debashis Sarangi

CSK will face MI in their 1st match [Source: IPLT20.com]CSK will face MI in their 1st match [Source: IPLT20.com]

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The ICC Champions Trophy is about to conclude, as we are inching towards the Indian Premier League with each passing day. The tournament, which kickstarts on March 22, will witness the battle between ten formidable teams, with Kolkata Knight Riders meeting Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening encounter.

Regarding Chennai Super Kings, the five-time champions will take on their arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in their first IPL 2025 match. As the tournament nears, here are three players whom CSK might drop from their starting XI due to poor returns in the Champions Trophy. 

1. Devon Conway

Criterion
Runs
Average/SR
In Champions Trophy4020/64.52
In T20Is since 2023238
18.3/115.5

(Conway's stats in CT and T20Is since 2023)

  • New Zealand's experienced cricketer Devon Conway has been a regular face in CSK's IPL setup, scoring 924 runs at an average of 48.63 and a strike rate of 141.28. 
  • As evidenced by the above stats, Conway has recorded mediocre numbers in ODIs and T20Is. Furthermore, his competitor Rachin Ravindra has exhibited commendable form in the Champions Trophy, piling up the most runs for New Zealand. 
  • Although the Super Kings retained Conway ahead of the mega auction, his recent form and fitness concerns might discourage them from preferring him over Rachin Ravindra as Ruturaj Gaikwad's opening partner. 

2. Nathan Ellis

Criterion
Wickets
Average/SR
In CT 2025353.33/60
BBL 2024-251321.76/16.61

(Stats of Ellis in CT and T20s of late)

  • Hailed for his excellent death-bowling skills, Nathan Ellis joined the SuperKings camp for INR 2 Crores. 
  • After an underwhelming Big Bash League campaign, Ellis had a disappointing run in the Champions Trophy, managing only three wickets at a horrible strike rate of 60. 
  • Considering his ability to outfox the batters with his variations, Ellis could've been a valuable asset for CSK in the IPL 2025. However, as he looked ineffective in the Champions Trophy, CSK might not take the risk of including him in the XI, preferring Matheesha Pathirana as their slog-over specialist. 

3. Jamie Overton

  • England's premier all-rounder Jamie Overton let his team down in the tournament, performing abysmally in the competition. 
  • The 30-year-old could scalp a single wicket while conceding runs at a horrendous economy rate of 7.07 in the Champions Trophy. He was also unimpressive with the bat, scoring 43 runs across two outings. 
  • It's worth mentioning that the Chennai Super Kings purchased Overton for INR 1.5 Crores. However, with the English star struggling with form, CSK could adopt a safer route and get Sam Curran in their playing XI.