The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) entered IPL 2025 with high expectations, but after five games, things haven’t gone to plan. They started their campaign with a convincing win but have since lost four matches on the trot. Their latest defeat came at the hands of Punjab Kings, where they fell short by 18 runs while chasing a mammoth 220-run target.
The situation is concerning, but it’s not time to press the panic button yet. With half the season still ahead, CSK, known for their comebacks and championship mindset, can turn this around. However, it will require bold calls, tactical tweaks, and a willingness to trust fresh talent.
Here are five key ways CSK can stage a comeback in IPL 2025:
1. Bring in Nathan Ellis and Jamie Overton for Matheesha Pathirana and Noor Ahmed
This might sound like a shocker but dropping Noor Ahmed, the current Purple Cap holder, and Matheesha Pathirana, a retained player who has been a death-over specialist for CSK could work for the team. But cricket is a dynamic game, and sometimes difficult calls are necessary to improve team balance.
Nathan Ellis and Jamie Overton bring not just solid bowling skills but also value with the bat. Ellis, known for his pinpoint accuracy and clever variations, has 194 wickets in 161 T20 matches. He recently smashed a 40* off just 22 balls in the Big Bash League against Melbourne Stars — highlighting his dual value.
Jamie Overton is a true all-rounder. With 118 wickets in 163 T20 games and a strike rate of 158 with the bat, he’s a proper asset down the order. His big-hitting ability can provide late fireworks, something CSK has lacked this season.
This move could give CSK a deeper batting lineup and a more dynamic bowling attack — especially in the death overs, where they’ve been leaking runs.
2. Play Youngsters Instead of Underperformers
It’s time CSK looked beyond experience and focused on form. Ravichandran Ashwin and Mukesh Choudhary have struggled so far this season. While their past contributions to Indian and CSK cricket are immense, T20 is a game of the present, and form must outweigh reputation.
Waiting in the wings are youngsters like Anshul Kambhoj, Gurpajneet Singh, and Shreyas Gopal. They’ve shown promise in domestic tournaments and deserve a chance to prove their mettle on the big stage.
Gopal, in particular, is an experienced IPL campaigner and brings control in the middle overs. Kambhoj and Gurpajneet have impressed in the nets and practice games and could bring youthful energy and hunger to the side — something that’s been lacking in recent matches.
CSK’s success over the years has been built on backing unknowns who later turned into stars. It’s time to do that again.
3. Reintroduce Rahul Tripathi But at No. 4
Rahul Tripathi has had a modest outing so far in IPL 2025, scoring 30 runs in three innings as an opener. However, his record in the middle order is far more impressive. Slotting him back at No. 4, a position where he has previously thrived, could bring stability to CSK’s batting.
This change would mean dropping Vijay Shankar, a tough call given his recent unbeaten 60, but Tripathi offers more explosiveness and consistency at No. 4. A batting lineup of Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rahul Tripathi, and Shivam Dube gives CSK a strong top five with depth, left-right combinations, and flexibility.
Tripathi’s ability to take on spin and pace alike in the middle overs could help CSK maintain momentum after the powerplay, an area they’ve been struggling with.
4. Utilize Rachin Ravindra and Shivam Dube’s All-Round Abilities
Both Rachin and Dube are more than capable with the ball. Rachin, a spin-bowling all-rounder, can provide crucial overs in the middle, especially when the pitch offers some grip. Dube, on the other hand, can bowl medium pace and be used as a partnership breaker or in favourable match-ups.
CSK has struggled with balancing their playing XI. Often, they’ve played six specialist batters and five bowlers, which has backfired when a bowler has an off day. By using Rachin and Dube as the fifth bowler — sharing four overs between them — CSK can add an extra batter or bowling all-rounder, depending on the conditions.
This tactical tweak gives Ruturaj Gaikwad more options on the field and could tilt close games in CSK’s favour.
5. Push Ruturaj Gaikwad Back to the Opening Slot
Ruturaj Gaikwad is one of the finest young batters in Indian cricket and has been CSK’s batting backbone in recent seasons. In IPL 2023, as an opener, he racked up 590 runs in 16 matches. However, in IPL 2025, he’s been batting at No. 3 and has scored just 122 runs in 5 games.
While Gaikwad suggested the move was to provide team balance and reflect his potential role in the Indian team setup, CSK needs him at the top. He’s most effective when he has the powerplay field restrictions to work with, can build his innings, and controls the pace of the chase or set-up.
By pushing Ruturaj back to the top, alongside Conway or Rachin, CSK gets a dependable anchor who can shift gears later — exactly what they need after four straight losses.
Final Thoughts
CSK is a team built on resilience and belief. They’ve come back from worse situations — just look at their title-winning run in IPL 2021 after finishing 7th the season before. But to mount another comeback in 2025, they’ll need to make tough calls and trust the depth in their squad.
Bringing in Nathan Ellis and Jamie Overton can balance the team with bat and ball. Dropping underperforming veterans for hungry youngsters can inject new energy. Reworking the batting lineup with Gaikwad at the top and Tripathi at No. 4 can bring consistency. And lastly, smart utilization of Dube and Rachin’s all-round skills can free up a spot for a tactical floater.
It’s not over for CSK. In fact, the story might just be getting started.
