CSK vs KKR IPL 2025 Match Preview: Playing XIs, Pitch Report, and Key Player Battles

Dhoni Returns as CSK Captain Amid Injury Crisis

Things aren’t going to plan for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025. After four straight losses, they’ve now lost skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad for the season due to injury. With the campaign slipping, CSK have called in the most reliable name they know. Oh yeah, MS Dhoni will be back as captain.

Chepauk’s Changing Mood and CSK’s Home Woes

The last time Dhoni walked out to bat at Chepauk, the atmosphere was strangely flat. Normally one of the loudest venues in the league, the stadium fell silent as CSK’s chase fizzled out against Delhi Capitals. Now, they’re facing the possibility of a third straight home loss, something that’s never happened to them before in the IPL.

CSK's Batting Order Struggles Continue

The new opening pair of Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway has added some stability up top, but the middle order hasn’t kept up. Batters from No. 4 to 7 have the lowest strike rate this season; just 126.04. KKR’s middle order is doing slightly better at 147.18, though they’re still not in the top bracket.

KKR Also Searching for Form in IPL 2025

Like CSK, KKR are also stuck in the lower half of the table, and both teams haven’t been too happy with the home pitches this season. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of surface Chepauk offers this time.

Waiting Game for KKR’s Match-Winners

As for KKR, they’re still waiting for Andre Russell and Sunil Narine to make a big impact. But Varun Chakravarthy has been in good touch, and he knows this ground well; he won both the IPL and TNPL titles here last year.

Form Guide

Chennai Super Kings – L, L, L (most recent first)
Kolkata Knight Riders – L, W, L

Old Friends, New Rivals: Ajinkya Rahane and Dwayne Bravo Return in KKR

Ajinkya Rahane, who rediscovered his T20 form at CSK, will now be leading the charge against them as KKR’s captain. And he’s not the only familiar face switching sides. Dwayne Bravo, a long-time CSK fan-favorite as player and coach, is now part of the KKR camp as mentor. Bit of an emotional tug-of-war, this one.

CSK vs KKR Team News and Likely Playing XIs

Chennai Super Kings Probable XI

With MS Dhoni back at the helm, CSK might also bring in Rahul Tripathi to replace the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top.

Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Rachin Ravindra, Shivam Dube, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c & wk), R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana

Kolkata Knight Riders Probable XI

As for KKR, they might consider bringing Moeen Ali into the mix if the Chepauk pitch leans towards spin. Left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson, who’s been expensive, could make way.

Quinton de Kock (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Moeen Ali/Spencer Johnson, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy

Will KKR Promote Russell or Keep Him Hidden?

Andre Russell has been batting criminally low this season; No. 7 or 8 in four games. It might be time to bump him up the order unless KKR are actively shielding him from R Ashwin. Ashwin’s record against Russell is solid: two dismissals, just 16 runs in 17 balls. Against Jadeja, though, Russell’s gone after it; 69 off 38 with two dismissals. He’s also taken 12 off 7 from Noor Ahmad, losing his wicket once.

Key Players to Watch in CSK vs KKR at Chepauk

Shivam Dube (CSK)

Dube was denied spin by Punjab and was instead greeted by Lockie Ferguson’s extra bounce and speed. He managed 17 off 12 before his stumps were rattled. A similar challenge awaits against Russell and Harshit Rana.

Venkatesh Iyer (KKR)

After a quiet start to the season, Iyer is back in rhythm with scores of 60 and 45. His last visit to Chepauk was a memorable one; he hit 52* off 26 in the final to seal KKR’s third IPL title.

CSK vs KKR Pitch Report: What Will Chepauk Serve This Time?

CSK’s relationship with the Chepauk pitch has turned a little unpredictable. Even coach Stephen Fleming admitted they’ve struggled to read it lately. That said, the weather looks good for the evening.

Head-to-Head Battles: Stats You Can’t Ignore

Dhoni’s match-up against spin could be key. He’s managed just 11 runs off 16 balls from Varun Chakravarthy in the IPL, falling to him three times. Narine’s held him back even more, just 39 runs off 74 balls at a strike rate of 52.7.

CSK have hit just 31 sixes across five games; the lowest for any team with at least four matches played. KKR has cleared the ropes 42 times.

Narine vs Ashwin is oddly lopsided; the KKR allrounder has smashed 94 off just 39 balls against Ashwin at a strike rate over 240, losing his wicket once.

Vaibhav Arora could be a handful in the powerplay. Since 2024, he’s taken 8 wickets in 11 innings against left-handers during the powerplay at a strike rate of 7.00 and economy under 6.

Quotes Ahead of CSK vs KKR Match

“It’s just that we struck a young man who had the night of his life, and we weren’t able to shut him down.”
– Stephen Fleming on being floored by Priyansh Arya in Mullanpur

“We rate them as a highly-skilled team, and we will look to go out there and play the game and win.”
– Venkatesh Iyer on taking on CSK at their home ground

Wrap-Up

Dhoni’s back in charge, Rahane’s on a revenge tour, and Russell might finally get a proper bat. CSK need a win like KKR needs consistency, desperately. Whatever goes down at Chepauk, it won’t be boring. Happy Watching!