CSK made some smart acquisitions in the IPL 2025 auction, including getting some of their old players back.
The five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made some smart acquisitions in the IPL 2025 auction, including getting some of their old players back.
While the CSK management reunited the Ash-Jaddu pair with the purchase of Ravichandran Ashwin, they also brought back stars like Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra from the last season.
We focus specifically on CSK’s overseas purchases from the auction and predict their 4 first-choice foreign stars for the upcoming IPL 2025 edition.
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The New Zealand batter has already showcased his prowess batting at the top for CSK but this time he can be expected to shoulder more responsibilities. With MS Dhoni’s extent of participation still unknown, Devon Conway might also take over the wicketkeeping duties.
Talking about Conway’s batting, his solid IPL record and his ability to either stabilize an innings or increase the tempo when required makes him an automatic pick. His inclusion also gives stability to the top order, with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad getting more freedom to express his game. In 23 IPL matches, the Kiwi has amassed 924 runs at an impressive average of 48.63 while striking at 141.28.
Rachin Ravindra is another Kiwi star who was bought back by CSK at the auction in Jeddah. After PBKS had initially bought the batting all-rounder for INR 3.2 crores, CSK activated their only RTM card to raise the bid to INR 4 crore and bring him back into the fold.
Ravindra’s versatility as a batter, capable of performing well both at the top or float down the order, offers CSK significant strategic flexibility. His left-handed batting style introduces a fresh dynamic to the team’s lineup, posing challenges for bowlers settled to delivering to right-handers. If Ravindra manages to find his rhythm early in the tournament, his runs could accumulate at a pace and he can be a strong contender for the Orange Cap also.
England all-rounder Sam Curran has returned to don the yellow jersey, at a steal price of INR 2.4 crores. From his initial stint with CSK in IPL 2020 and 2021 to becoming the most expensive IPL player with an INR 18 crore move to PBKS, Curran has shown remarkable growth.
His prowess with the ball, particularly in the death overs, and his ability to swing the new ball make him an invaluable asset. Additionally, his transformation into a pinch hitter capable of batting higher up the order brings much-needed flexibility to CSK’s lineup.
Curran’s all-round skills bridge gaps in both the bowling and batting departments. Whether it’s supporting Matheesha Pathirana in the final overs or adding depth to the batting order, his return could prove to be a game-changing decision for CSK.
The Sri Lankan pacer will take the last overseas slot available in the CSK Playing XI. Pathirana, with his slinging action and death-over mastery, is undoubtedly the first-choice foreign pacer although they bought the likes of Nathan Ellis and Jamie Overton, who can provide additional options, ensuring healthy competition in the squad.
Also with the purchase of Khaleel Ahmed, it is likely that the Indian pacer will operate primarily in the powerplay while Pathirana will remain CSK’s most reliable asset at the death overs.
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