Conway Included, Rachin Ravindra Dropped? CSK's Probable XI For IPL 2025 Match Vs MI

CSK predicted XI [Source: @ShuhidAufridi/X.com]

The wait is over as the El Classico of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will take place between the Chennai Super Kings and the Mumbai Indians at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium. The two teams have won the IPL title 5 times and will look to add another feather to their hat as they aim for yet another championship.

The Super Kings didn't qualify for the playoffs last season, but this time around, they have strengthened their squad and will look to reach new heights. The team has quality players everywhere and ahead of the match against MI, we look at their probable XI for this blockbuster clash.

Conway in, Ravindra out?

The biggest conundrum for CSK will be to decide who will open alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. On form, Rachin Ravindra should be a guaranteed starter, however, CSK have a history of backing their performers and Devon Conway was their star player in the 2023 title winning campaign.

(Conway, Ravindra IPL stats)

As the numbers suggests, Conway has been superb for the Super Kings and was instrumental in the 2023 season when CSK won their fifth IPL title. For the starting few matches, CSK will probably go in with Conway as their opener, but if he fails, Ravindra will get back that spot. However, there is a catch here.

Ravindra may not get the opening spot, but he can easily bat at number 3, and in that regards, CSK can accomadate both the Kiwi stars in their lineup.

Indian core to dominate the middle order

CSK is one of those IPL sides which believe in giving chances to Indian stars and rely heavily on them. Hence, the duo of Rahul Tripathi and Shivam Dube in the middle order will be crucial for the side.

(Dube and Tripathi IPL stats)

Ravindra Jadeja is more than a handy batter and can easily bat at number 6 as he has done this role time and again for the franchise. However, CSK's biggest match-winner, and former captain, MS Dhoni can bat at numnber 7.

Over the years his role as a batter has reduced, but this season, he should bat at 7 to play the role of a finisher alongside Jadeja.

Noor Ahmad to debut for CSK, Ashwin the other spinner

R Ashwin returns to his favourite hunting ground and will wear the Yellow Jersey once again as the 8 overs between the two will be crucial.

(Noor, Ashwin stats in IPL)

At the Chepauk venue, where the spinners will be affective, both Noor and Ashwin will be crucial against the Mumbai Indians batters and alongside Jadeja will form a fearsome trio.

Rising star, Anshul Kamboj and CSK's trump card, Matheesha Pathirana will be the lead pacers as the two are genuine wicket-takers and Pathirana's spell in the death could decide the outcome of the contest.

Impact player - Vijay Shankar/Khaleel Ahmed

CSK probable XI if they bat first

Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana

CSK Probable XI if they bowl first

Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rachin Ravindra, Shivam Dube, Rahul Tripathi, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana, Anshul Kamboj.

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