Super Kings' Sour Releases: Players Who Thrived In IPL 2025 After Leaving CSK

Debashis Sarangi

Sameer Rizvi was a part of CSK in IPL 2024 [Source: AP, @Kunal_KLR/X]Sameer Rizvi was a part of CSK in IPL 2024 [Source: AP, @Kunal_KLR/X]

This afternoon, five-time Champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in their final group-stage match of the ongoing IPL 2025 season. The much-awaited face-off is scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

CSK, led by MS Dhoni, have been far from their best across departments. They are the tenth placed side in the points table, having managed only three wins across thirteen outings. The Super Kings have none apart from themselves to blame for their horrendous downfall. 

While they invested hefty amounts in R Ashwin, Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Sam Curran and Deepak Hooda, their several released players performed admirably, emerging as the game-changers for other franchises. 

This article throws light on three such players, who have made CSK regret releasing them before the 2025 season. 

3. Sameer Rizvi - Delhi Capitals

Criterion
Data
Innings4
Runs121
Average40.33
Strike Rate153.16

(Sameer Rizvi's stats in IPL 2025)

  • Hailed for his scintillating stroke play, Sameer Rizvi showed glimpses of his talent for CSK last season. Despite not giving him enough chances, the Super Kings decided to release the batting sensation, who eventually found his new home in Delhi Capitals. 
  • Rizvi got decent starts against CSK and MI before playing a match-winning knock against Punjab Kings last night. Coming at number five, the right-handed batter hammered three fours and five sixes for his flamboyant 25-ball 58*, leading the Capitals to a memorable win. 
  • More importantly, if CSK hadn't released Rizvi to the auction pool, he could've formed a solid young batting core alongside Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis, with the franchise seeking a revamp ahead of the next season. 

2. Shardul Thakur - Lucknow Super Giants

Criterion
Data
Innings10
Wickets13
Average28.85
Strike Rate15.69

(Shardul Thakur's IPL 2025 stats)

  • Shardul Thakur was a part of CSK in IPL 2024; however, the franchise released him to the mega auction pool prior to the 2025 season. The seasoned campaigner failed to attract the bidders before Lucknow Super Giants picked him as Mohsin Khan's injury replacement. 
  • The move worked wonders for LSG, as Thakur emerged as their go-to wicket-taker across phases. He bagged 13 wickets in 10 IPL 2025 outings, striking at an impressive rate of 15.69. 
  • On the other hand, CSK, a team that had released Thakur, pinned its hopes entirely on Khaleel Ahmed, with Matheesha Pathirana blowing hot and cold. While Sam Curran and Jamie Overton couldn't convince the franchise with their all-round skills, it was too late before Anshul Kamboj entered the scene. 

1. Ajinkya Rahane - Kolkata Knight Riders

Criterion
Data
Innings11
Runs375
Average37.50
Strike Rate146.48

(Ajinkya Rahane's IPL 2025 Stats)

  • Talismanic Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane faced the axe from CSK following his torrid run in the 2024 season. Rahane was purchased by KKR in the mega auction for INR 1.5 Crores. 
  • Rahane's signing proved to be a masterstroke by KKR, as the defending champions benefitted from his consistency in the IPL 2025. With the openers struggling for form, Rahane emerged as the backbone of the Knight Riders' batting lineup, playing some pivotal knocks. 
  • On the other hand, CSK found it incredibly tough to form a stable batting order in Rahane's absence. Conway and Rachin Ravindra's inconsistent returns frustrated the franchise, while Hooda, Shankar and Tripathi were miserable, to say the least. 
  • Thus, it would've been a lot better if CSK had shown faith in Rahane's ability instead of introducing wholesale changes to their batting unit.