Chennai, April 11, 2025 – Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are bracing for a pivotal clash at their fortress, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, as MS Dhoni steps back into the captain’s role after 683 days. With regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad sidelined by injury, the iconic leader will helm CSK in their fourth home game of the season against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). CSK, reeling from four consecutive losses since their opening win against Mumbai Indians, are desperate to turn their campaign around. With just one victory so far, a failure to capitalize on their home advantage could spell disaster for the five-time champions.
Facing a KKR side that has also struggled to find consistency, CSK see an opportunity to halt their slide. The defending champions, despite a high-scoring loss to Lucknow Super Giants where they fell four runs short of chasing 238, are one win away from balancing their record. KKR’s batting has shown flashes of brilliance, but their inability to string together victories remains a concern. Still, they’ve avoided prolonged slumps, unlike CSK, who are battling to snap out of their losing streak.
Also Read: Lionel Messi Breaks Inter Miami Record, Surpasses Higuain in Draw Against Toronto FC
Dhoni’s return to leadership brings hope, but CSK face challenges, particularly in their batting, which has crumbled without Gaikwad. The team must decide whether to slot Rahul Tripathi at number three or give young Shaik Rasheed a chance. Dhoni’s batting position also sparks intrigue—his experience at number five could stabilize a faltering lineup. Meanwhile, KKR may lean on spin, potentially bringing in Moeen Ali to exploit Chepauk’s conditions, at the cost of pacer Spencer Johnson. The form of Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine will be crucial for KKR’s bowling attack.
As CSK look to draw inspiration from rivals like RCB, who staged a late surge last season, the spotlight is on Dhoni to steer his team back into contention. Can the veteran captain spark a revival, or will KKR deepen CSK’s woes?
Likely XIs
CSK: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed
KKR: Quinton de Kock, Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Moeen Ali, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy.
Key Points: MS Dhoni Leads CSK vs. KKR at Chepauk
- Dhoni’s Captaincy Return: MS Dhoni takes over as CSK captain after 683 days, replacing the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad for the match against KKR at Chepauk.
- CSK’s Struggles: With only one win and four straight losses, CSK face pressure to revive their season at home to avoid missing the playoffs.
- KKR’s Mixed Form: Defending champions KKR, despite a recent loss chasing 238, are one win from an even record but struggle with consistency.
- Batting Concerns for CSK: Without Gaikwad, CSK may rely on Rahul Tripathi or Shaik Rasheed, with Dhoni’s batting position (possibly number five) crucial.
- KKR’s Spin Strategy: KKR could opt for Moeen Ali to exploit Chepauk’s spin-friendly pitch, with Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine key to their bowling.
