Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions will aim to get their hands on the IPL trophy for a record sixth time in the 2025 season. In the recently-concluded IPL 2025 mega auction, CSK entered with a well-thought-out strategy, prioritizing the reacquisition of key players from past seasons. After retaining the services of skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube and MS Dhoni CSK went into the auction with 55 crores in their purse.


In the mega auction CSK  made impactful acquisitions, including re-signing veteran players such as Ravichandran Ashwin, Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway, among others.


However, the Chennai-based franchise's most notable acquisition at the mega auction was Afghanistan's left-arm chinaman spinner, Noor Ahmad, who was secured for Rs 10 Cr at the event in Jeddah. He will also become the first Afghan player to represent CSK in IPL history. Khaleel Ahmed, Rahul Tripathi, Anshul Kamboj, Sam Curran, Deepak Hooda, Nathan Ellis and Vijay Shankar were the other key players acquired by CSK.


CSK emerged as one of the smartest buyers at the IPL mega auction having covered most of their requirements. WIth that said, let’s look at what could be the best possible 11 for Chennai Super Kings.


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CSK will most likely have the opening pair of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway. Rahul Tripathi could strengthen CSK's middle order at No. 4, replacing Ajinkya Rahane, while Rachin Ravindra adds all-round value at No. 3. Shivam Dube would provide the pinch-hitting ability and MS Dhoni's finishing skills are once again expected to be on show.


Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran and R. Ashwin enhance CSK's lower order, providing depth, balance and reliability, with the ability to impact games with both bat and ball. Jadeja and Ashwin also form a strong spin duo. Noor Ahmad could also emerge as a key player, bringing unpredictability with his variations, especially on spin-friendly tracks.


CSK's pace attack features a mix of domestic and overseas talent, with Matheesha Pathirana set to lead the attack, while young Anshul Kamboj would also be thrown in the mix. Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis and Jamie Overton also add depth to the pace attack.


CSK's Best Possible Playing 11 for IPL 2025


1. Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)
2. Devon Conway (overseas)
3. Rachin Ravindra (overseas)
4. Rahul Tripathi
5. Shivam Dube
6. MS Dhoni (wk)
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Sam Curran (overseas)
9. R Ashwin
10. Khaleel Ahmed
11. Matheesha Pathirana (overseas)
Impact Player Options: Noor Ahmad, Vijay Shankar, Anshul Kamboj, Deepak Hooda