CSK IPL 2025 Schedule, Squad, Key Players & Predicted Playing XI

Few teams have dominated the IPL like Chennai Super Kings. With five titles to their name, they are already among the most successful franchises in the tournament’s history. But winning a sixth IPL title in 2025 would put them in a league of their own and firmly establish them as the greatest team in IPL history.

CSK IPL 2025 Schedule, Squad, Key Players & Predicted Playing XI

MS Dhoni won’t be leading CSK, but he remains the heart and soul of the team. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who stepped in as captain last season, will continue in the role, and the expectations will be sky-high. With Dhoni still in the squad and guiding from behind the stumps, Gaikwad will have plenty of support in his second season as skipper. CSK has made some bold moves in the auction, bringing back Ravichandran Ashwin after a decade and adding young spin sensation Noor Ahmed. Rachin Ravindra, signed for a massive fee, will look to make a bigger impact after a quiet first season. The team has also added Rahul Tripathi and Khaleel Ahmed, giving them more batting firepower and left-arm pace variety. However, they’ve lost Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Mitch Santner, and Sameer Rizvi, meaning they’ll need to adjust their balance. 

The team still boasts match-winners like Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Matheesa Pathirana, who can turn games around in moments. Pathirana’s pace and yorkers make him a dangerous weapon at the death, while Jadeja’s all-round skills remain invaluable. With the Impact Player rule still in effect, CSK’s deep squad gives them an advantage, especially with Dhoni’s tactical genius guiding the side. The big challenge will be how Gaikwad handles the pressure of captaincy in crunch moments. 

CSK IPL 2025 Schedule

CSK’s journey in the IPL 2025 will feature some blockbuster clashes. Here’s their complete schedule:

IPL Match Schedule

Match No.	Date	Match	Time	Venue
1	March 23	CSK vs MI	7:30 PM	Chennai
2	March 28	CSK vs RCB	7:30 PM	Chennai
3	March 30	RR vs CSK	7:30 PM	Guwahati
4	April 5	CSK vs DC	7:30 PM	Chennai
5	April 8	PBSK vs CSK	7:30 PM	New Chandigarh
6	April 11	CSK vs KKR	7:30 PM	Chennai
7	April 14	LSG vs CSK	7:30 PM	Lucknow
8	April 20	MI vs CSK	7:30 PM	Mumbai
	April 25	CSK vs SRH	7:30 PM	Chennai
10	April 30	CSK vs PBSK	7:30 PM	Chennai
11	May 3	RCB vs CSK	7:30 PM	Bengaluru
12	May 7	KKR vs CSK	7:30 PM	Kolkata
13	May 12	CSK vs RR	7:30 PM	Chennai
14	May 18	GT vs CSK	3:30 PM	Ahmedabad

CSK Squad for IPL 2025

CSK has retained a core group of players while making some valuable additions during the IPL 2025 auction. Here’s the complete CSK squad:

Batters:

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rahul Tripathi, Shaik Rasheed, Andre Siddarth

Wicket Keepers:

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Vansh Bedi, Devon Conway,

All-rounders:

Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Rachin Ravindra, Vijay Shankar, Sam Curran, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Shreyas Gopal, Deepak Hooda, Anshul Kamboj

Bowlers:

Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Jamie Overton, Gurjapneet Singh

Key Players to Watch Out For

CSK’s hopes of winning their first IPL title will largely depend on the performance of their star players. Here are the key players to watch out for:

1. Rahul Tripathi – The explosive Batter

Rahul Tripathi has had a journeyman IPL career, bouncing between franchises without ever truly cementing his place. But one team where he did shine was Rising Pune Supergiant, and interestingly, MS Dhoni was his captain back then. Now at CSK, fans will be hoping that Dhoni can work his magic once again and bring out the best in him. Tripathi’s aggressive stroke play makes him a dangerous middle-order batter, and if he finds his rhythm, he could become a key contributor in CSK’s push for a record sixth IPL title. 

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad– The Skipper

Ruturaj Gaikwad has been one of Chennai Super Kings’ most dependable batters in recent years, anchoring the top order with his classy stroke play. Now, as CSK’s full-time captain, he carries even more responsibility. Taking over from MS Dhoni is no small task, but Gaikwad has the temperament to handle the pressure. His ability to build innings and accelerate when needed makes him a vital cog in CSK’s batting lineup. 

3. Ravindra Jadeja – The Game-Changer

Ravindra Jadeja has been CSK’s ultimate match-winner for years, delivering with both bat and ball in crunch moments. Whether it’s breaking partnerships with his sharp left-arm spin or finishing games with his explosive batting, he remains one of CSK’s most valuable players. His experience and calmness under pressure make him a key figure, especially as Ruturaj Gaikwad settles into the captaincy role. Jadeja’s presence in the squad gives CSK the balance they need.  

4. Matheesha Pathirana – The Spearhead

Matheesha Pathirana has quickly become CSK’s most exciting pace weapon, with his slingy action and deadly yorkers making him a nightmare for batters at the death. His ability to bowl with raw pace and accuracy in high-pressure situations has given CSK a reliable wicket-taking option in the final overs. Still young, he has already shown glimpses of being a future superstar. With another season under MS Dhoni’s guidance, Pathirana will be expected to step up even more in IPL 2025. 

5. Sam Curran – The X-Factor

Sam Curran’s return to Chennai Super Kings brings both experience and depth to the squad, especially after his stint as Punjab Kings' captain last season. His ability to swing the new ball makes him a solid second option with the new ball, while his batting provides much-needed firepower in the lower-middle order. If MS Dhoni isn't fully fit again, Curran could step in at No.6 or No.7, giving CSK a versatile batting order. With his all-round ability and big-match temperament, he could play a pivotal role in CSK’s title chase. 

CSK’s Predicted Playing XI for IPL 2025

Based on form, consistency, and match conditions, here’s the predicted CSK playing XI for IPL 2025:

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad  (c)
2. Rachin Ravindra
3. Rahul Tripathi
4. Deepak Hooda
5. Shivam Dubey
6. MS Dhoni
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Noor Ahmed
9. Ravichandran Ashwin
10. Khaleel Ahmed
11. Matheesha Pathirana

Impact Player: Vijay Shankar, Mukesh Choudhary

CSK’s Strengths and Weaknesses

 Strengths:

• Explosive Batting Lineup: With players like Kohli, Salt, and Tim Devid, CSK boasts a strong batting core.
• Pace Attack: Khaleel Ahmed and Matheesha Pathirana bring firepower to the bowling attack, capable of delivering early wickets.
• Experienced Leadership: Ruturaj’s captaincy and MS Dhoni experience brings stability to the team.

 Weaknesses:

• Inconsistent Bowling: CSK’s bowling department has often struggled with consistency, especially at the death.
• Over-Reliance on Top Order: CSK heavily depends on its top four batters. A collapse could expose their middle-order fragility.

CSK’s Chances in IPL 2025

CSK has built a formidable squad with a solid combination of experienced players and emerging talent. If their key players fire consistently and their bowlers deliver in pressure situations, CSK has a strong chance of making it to the IPL 2025 playoffs and potentially winning their sixth title.

Conclusion

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru are determined to end their title drought in IPL 2025. With power-packed batters, reliable bowlers, and skilled all-rounders, they have a balanced squad capable of making a deep run in the tournament. Fans are eager to see Kohli, Salt, and Team David lead the charge in what promises to be an exciting IPL season.

Stay tuned to ScoreWaves for the latest updates on CSK’s performance, match previews, and expert analysis throughout IPL 2025

Also Read: KKR IPL 2025 Schedule, Squad, Key Players & Predicted Playing XI