The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League is done and dusted now, and it turned out to be a disaster for five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings. They finished last on the points table as many of their experienced cricketers and international stars failed to deliver.
All these high-profile players are now in danger of being released before IPL 2026. To avoid this, they need to perform in other leagues and seize whatever opportunities they get to showcase their skills; some of them have already started this process. Let's see who are those four players in this article.
1. Devon Conway
Devon Conway was the star performer for CSK in the 2023 season, but in 2025, he did not look at his best and struggled to bat freely. He scored 156 runs in six innings with two fifties and scored his runs at a strike-rate of 131.09.
On the other hand, the left-hander has started MLC 2025 with a bang, scoring 65 in the very first game at a strike rate of 147.72, looking in control right throughout his innings. Also, Conway is the kind of player who scores runs consistently when he finds his groove. It looks like he is now determined to make an impact after some below-par performances in the last few tournaments.
2. Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra is a highly rated young cricketer and was expected to perform consistently for CSK in IPL 2025. However, after a fifty in the first game, his form dwindled significantly and he could manage just 191 runs at a below-par strike rate of 128.18
The CSK management eventually decided to move on from him in the latter half of the season. Rachin, however, has started MLC 2025 on a bright note and is showing the world that he can score his runs at a rapid rate in the T20 format.
Rachin Ravindra In MLC 2025
Criterion
Data
Innings
2
Runs
86
Average
43
Strike-Rate
245.71
The left-handed batter has scored 86 runs in two matches at an amazing strike rate of 245.71 and if he continues to perform in the same vein, he could even be retained for the next season.
Rahul Tripathi was one of the biggest disappointments for CSK in IPL 2025. The management backed him to open the innings, but he looked completely out of touch and scored just 55 runs in five matches.
Rahul Tripathi In MPL 2025
Criterion
Data
Innings
4
Runs
102
Average
25.50
Strike-Rate
178.95
This performance has now put his IPL future in danger, and he will have to deliver strong performances in domestic games to keep himself in contention. The top-order batter has started that journey on a positive note with a couple of quickfire knocks in the Maharashtra Premier League. Tripathi scored 32 from 18 balls in the first game and then came up with a blistering knock of 45 from 17 balls to signal his return to form.
4. Vijay Shankar
The experienced all-rounder also had a poor IPL 2025 where he scored just 118 runs in five matches. Like many other CSK players, his strike rate was a big issue.
Criterion
Data
Innings
3
Runs
122
Average
122
Strike-Rate
184.85
However, he is a quality cricketer and is now proving that in TNPL 2025 with consistent performances. He has smashed 122 runs in three innings at a superb strike rate of 184.85 and has not lost his wicket even once. Thus, he has shown that he still has a lot of cricket left in him.
CSK players in MLC 2025 (Source:@MLCricket/X.com)
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