IPL 2025: 3 Reasons CSK Will Target Rahmanullah Gurbaz In The Mega Auction

Rahmanullah Gurbaz [X]Rahmanullah Gurbaz [X]

Afghanistan has made history by defeating South Africa in the first two matches of the three-match ODI series and taking an unassailable lead in the series. This will go down as one of the brightest parts in their cricketing history, as ahead of the series, they have never won an international game against South Africa. 

After trapping the Proteas on a spin-friendly Sharjah wicket in the first match, Rahmanullah Gurbaz emerged as one of the chief architects of Afghanistan's win in the second match with a composed and matured century. The knock of Gurbaz will remain in the discussions of the IPL teams as a mega auction approaches ahead of IPL 2025. 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s IPL stint

Rahmanullah Gurbaz has already played in the Indian Premier League. He was drafted into the side during IPL 2023 and opened the innings for them in 11 matches. In IPL 2024, Phil Salt replaced him in the playing XI, and Gurbaz got a chance to play only after the English batter left due to international commitments. 

KKR will look to retain Shreyas Iyer, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Rinku Singh ahead of IPL 2025, so the other IPL teams might bid hard for Gurbaz. One of these teams can be CSK. Here are three reasons why they will target Gurbaz during the auction. 

1.Alignment with CSK gameplan

CSK have always looked for openers who can give them solid starts. The franchise looks for a steady player at the top who can increase their scoring rate as per the situation and demand of the game. 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s approach to his knocks perfectly aligns with the vision of the CSK team. Gurbaz generally looks to get settled initially while keeping a positive intent. As he gets into his groove, he keeps increasing his scoring rate and makes significant contributions to the team. 

2. Like to like replacement of Devon Conway

Devon Conway, the Kiwi wicketkeeper and batter, has been an integral part of the CSK team for the past few seasons. He has been steady, consistent, and delivered under pressure for the team. The fact that Devon Conway can also take up the wicket-keeping responsibilities made him a very important part of the team’s future. 

But CSK might have to release Conway and then look to rebuy him or use the RTM for him during the auction. If Conway goes out of budget, CSK can pick up Gurbaz. With his steady batting, consistency, and ability to keep the wickets, he will be a like-to-like replacement for Conway.

3. T20 Experience and part of the future core

The CSK team management values experience highly when selecting their squad. Rahmanullah Gurbaz has already played 192 T20 matches, including international and league matches across the world. Thus, there will be no dearth of experience if Gurbaz joins the team. 

Besides, Gurbaz is just 22 years old at present. So, he brings a rare mixture of experience and youth to the table. With time on his side, Gurbaz can be an integral part of the CSK core in the future.

Conclusion

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is showing he can be the next big thing in cricket. It is generally believed that a batter reaches his peak by the age of 27 or 28, so what we see from the Afghan superstar might not even be his peak. 

CSK has always valued experience while looking to build a core for their squad. Gurbaz, having all the T20 experience and age on his side, might be a perfect fit for their plan. He could be an integral part of the CSK core for the upcoming future and, at his peak, could architect successful campaigns for them.