five-time champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK) The Indian Premier League (IPL) finished bottom of the points table, ending one of its toughest seasons in 2025. With only four wins in the entire tournament, their campaign was hampered by inconsistent batting performances, especially from the middle order. The leading batsmen struggled to maintain a healthy strike-rate or find rhythm, resulting in frequent collapses and putting pressure on the top order.
Ahead of IPL 2025, CSK had fielded a balanced squad in the mega auction. The inclusion of Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmed, Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda gives the team a promising look. On paper, the line-up offered stability, depth and the ability to challenge opponents with a mix of experience and emerging talent.
However, the season did not unfold as expected. Batsmen like Tripathi, Shankar and Hooda, on whom Chennai relied to deliver consistent performances, failed to make meaningful contributions. His prolonged struggle further added to the team's problems. On the plus side, the bowling unit showed encouraging signs, with Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj and Mukesh Choudhary finding form, while Noor Ahmed impressed with commendable control in the spin department.
Did CSK take the right steps with their retention?
After a disappointing season, CSK's retention list reflects a shift towards a long-term approach. The franchise retained key players like captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dubey and the iconic MS Dhoni along with promising youngsters Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brewis and Urvil Patel. In a big move, they also secured Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals via trade, significantly strengthening their top-order options.
On the other hand, CSK parted ways with Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Sheikh Rashid, Andre Siddharth and Vansh Bedi. The most notable decision was the exclusion of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, two key all-rounders who were integral to the balance of the team. With his departure, CSK have been tasked with recruiting impressive all-rounders to restore depth in both batting and bowling and maintain flexibility.
conclusion
Assessing CSK after the retention window, it appears that the franchise has taken bold but necessary decisions. Prioritizing the transition phase, investing in youth and reshaping the team signals their intention to rebuild from strength to strength. With the right combination, CSK can emerge more competitive in the next IPL season.
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