CSK predicted playing XI vs KKR: Dhoni returns as captain, who will replace Gaikwad?

CSK have lost a key player, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been ruled out of IPL 2025, which means MS Dhoni will lead the side vs KKR

Chennai Super Kings will hope that the return of MS Dhoni as captain will turn around their fortunes in IPL 2025. The five-time champions, who have lost four games on the trot after their win against MI, will take on KKR at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai.

The hosts have lost a key player – Ruturaj Gaikwad. He has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a elbow injury. It will be interesting to see who they pick as his replacement in the XI.

CSK predicted XI vs KKR

Tripathi to replace Pathirana?

Rahul Tripathi was benched after his poor outing in the first three games. He played as an opener and failed to fire, managing scores of 2, 5 and 23. CSK’s strategy to use him as an opener was questioned by both fans and experts.

However, Gaikwad’s injury opens the door for Tripathi to return to a position he is comfortable batting at. For the majority of his career in the IPL, Tripathi has played at number three or four and has tasted enormous success.

CSK could also turn to young Vansh Bedi as Gaikwad’s replacement. The keeper-batter has warmed the bench so far in IPL 2025. He boasts of immense potential and could come of good use to CSK.

Middle-order woes

CSK’s middle needs to start firing and must do so consistently. Barring Dhoni, none of the other batters have displayed aggression, especially in run-chases. Even MS’ boundary striking couldn’t save CSK in the last three occasions.

The likes of Dube and Shankar need to step up their game. Especially in terms of hitting boundaries. In all matches played so far, CSK’s middle-order batters seem to slow down too much in the middle-overs. This leaves too much burden on the finishers.

Ashwin needs to fire at home

Ashwin’s return to CSK after ten years hasn’t been that impactful. He has managed to take wickets in every game he’s played so far. But the Tamil Nadu spinner has been expensive as well. Against KKR, Ashwin will bank on his home ground experience and will hope to be more effective.

Noor Ahmad, one of the leading wicket-takers in IPL 2025, will spearhead the spin unit. He will be joined by Jadeja. As for pace, CSK is expected to stick with the trio of Pathirana-Khaleel-Mukesh, with the latter coming in mostly as an impact player.

CSK squad for IPL 2025

Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni(w/c), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana, Jamie Overton, Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Anshul Kamboj, Shreyas Gopal, Sam Curran, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Nathan Ellis, Gurjapneet Singh, Shaik Rasheed, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Andre Siddarth C, Vansh Bedi