Rachin Ravindra And...? 3 CSK Players Who Have A Point To Prove In IPL 2025

Debashis Sarangi

Rachin Ravindra in CSK colours [Source: @IPL/X]Rachin Ravindra in CSK colours [Source: @IPL/X]

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is knocking at our doors. The lucrative event begins on March 22, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in the tournament opener. 

Talking about Chennai Super Kings, the five-time champions will meet arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in their first match. As they gear up for the tournament, here are three CSK players who have a point to prove in the tournament. 

1. Rachin Ravindra

Criterion
Data
Innings10
Runs222
Average22.20
Strike Rate160.87

(Rachin Ravindra's IPL stats)

  • New Zealand's explosive batter Rachin Ravindra has been a fabulous performer for his national side. In the recently concluded Champions Trophy, Ravindra slammed 263 runs at an average of 65.75 and a strike rate of 106.48. 
  • However, he hasn't been able to replicate a similar success for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. As evidenced by the above stats, although Ravindra has struck at a blistering rate of 160.87, his average of 22.20 signifies his inconsistency with the bat. 
  • In the IPL 2024, Ravindra managed five low scores, including three single digits. However, the Super Kings showed trust in him, securing him for INR 4 Crores in the auction. 
  • So, Ravindra needs to step up to the occasion and prove his mettle to live up to CSK's expectations. 

2. Sam Curran

Criterion
Data
Innings36
Wickets35
Average35.2
Strike Rate20.9
Economy10.12

(Sam Curran's bowling stats since IPL 2021)

  • England's famed all-rounder Sam Curran lost his place from the T20I side following a persistent rough patch. 
  • Although his batting stats are decent, Curran hasn't been at his best as a bowler in the IPL of late. As shown in the above table, Curran averages over 35 while striking at 20.9 in 36 IPL innings since 2021. 
  • So, as the five-time champions purchased him back for INR 2.40 Crores, it's a golden opportunity for Curran to redeem himself. With the likes of Pathirana, Ashwin and Noor Ahmad leading the bowling attack, Curran's medium pace and handy lower-order hitting could be a blessing for the Chennai-based franchise. 

3. Deepak Hooda

Criterion
Data
Innings21
Runs229
Average12.1
Strike Rate117.4

(Deepak Hooda in IPL since 2023)

  • Experienced Indian batter Deepak Hooda has been far from his best in the Indian Premier League of late. 
  • Hooda, who struck 451 IPL runs at an average of 32.21 and a blistering strike rate of 136.67 in 2022, has been miserable, to say the least, since IPL 2023. As shown in the above table, Hooda averages just 12.1 while striking at 117.4 in his last 21 IPL innings. 
  • However, CSK backed the all-rounder, securing his services for INR 1.70 Crores in the mega auction last year. So, he has no option but to prove his worth and step up with bat and ball for the Super Kings this year.