Rachin And Conway To Miss Start Of IPL 2025? CSK's Probable XI Without Two Kiwis

Abhinav Tyagi∙ Updated: Dec 25 2024, 7:10 PM

Conway and Rachin- (Source:@Johns/X.com)Conway and Rachin- (Source:@Johns/X.com)

On the occasion of Christmas, Chennai Super Kings' fans dealt a heavy blow as there were reports that Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra would miss the first few matches because of international commitments. It is worth noting that New Zealand will tour Pakistan for a five-match T20I series starting from March 16.

There are possibilities that New Zealand might allow Ravindra and Conway to play in IPL, but CSK should be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Thus, this article will shed light on how CSK might line up without Conway and Jadeja in the first few matches. 

Gaikwad To Open With Rahul Tripathi?

Since Conway might miss out on the first few games, CSK can pair Ruturaj Gaikwad with Rahul Tripathi. The five-time winners roped in the ex-SRH batter for 3.40 crores. CSK can have two Indians opening the innings, which gives them the option to explore overseas options in the bowling. 

Deepak Hooda To Replace Rachin Ravindra At No.3? 

For Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda can replace him in the playing XI. Notably, CSK bought Hooda for 1.7 crores.  Hooda has experience in providing the desired start at the top for Lucknow Super Giants. 

Further, Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja will come in handy at No. 4 and No. 5. It is a tried and tested combination for the Super Kings in the past, and it helped them during the title-winning IPL 2023. 

Strong Overseas Options In Middle-Order

Sam Curran And Jamie Overton will highlight the lower-middle order and will be the two-overseas options. They will contribute both with the bat and the ball and will turn out to be a key asset for the Men in Yellow. Then, MS Dhoni will continue to bat at No.8 and provide the finishing touch in the last few overs or balls. 

Bowling Unit

In the bowling, they will have R Ashwin, who will return home after a long gap. Since Chepauk will assist the spinners and CSK might not have Ravindra, so they can play Noor Ahmed. Talking about other options, they will Matheesha Pathirana, who will lead the pace attack. 

Who Will be The Impact Player For CSK?

In the bowling they can have Anshul Kamboj and uncapped star Sheikh Rasheed can replace him in the batting unit. 


CSK's Probable XI For First Few Matches

Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)

Rahul Tripathi

Deepak Hooda

Shivam Dube

Ravindra Jadeja

Sam Curran ✈️

Jamie Overton ✈️

MS Dhoni (Wk)

R Ashwin

Matheesha Pathirana ✈️

Noor Ahmed ✈️

Impact Player- Sheikh Rasheed/ Anshul Kamboj