IPL 2025: Chennai Super Kings SWOT Analysis

In this article, we take a look at the SWOT Analysis of 5-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings following the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. 

Strength

Although MS Dhoni will not be leading this side, with Ruturaj Gaikwad looking to build on from his first season at the helm, the ethos and approach has been the same as it was when MS and Stephen Fleming were shaping the squad. 

Despite entering the auctions with one of the smallest purses on the table, CSK were able to bring back a lot of their core players from last season as well as some who were part of championship winning squads in the past with the likes of Sam Curran and Ravichandran Ashwin joining the fray. 

Like most CSK teams, this team also has flexibility in both batting and bowling departments. However, compared to the previous squad, this team will possess more bite and penetration in their bowling department. 

Moreover, the addition of Afghan mystery spinner Noor Ahmad, alongside the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin means Cheepauk will dish out slow and turning wickets, but their complement of pace bowlers means they can adjust when tasked with navigating green and bouncy wickets. 

Weakness

Despite boasting a formidable batting line-up, there is a lack of a bonafide finisher in this squad. Shivam Dube has primarily flourished in CSK as a spin-basher and has struggled at times to deal with quality fast bowling. Ravindra Jadeja, who was expected to take up the finisher-role from Dhoni, hasn’t really been able to hit the ground running with his bat. 

The man who has been shouldering the burden of a bonafide finisher, MS Dhoni, struggled last season with his knee, and thus was nothing more than a 10-ball player. Despite all that, MS Dhoni scored 161 runs in 73 balls, at a strike-rate of 220.55.

However, following a successful knee surgery, it looks like the 43-year-old will have to turn back the clock and be the pitch hitter he was during his hay days. 

Opportunity

Over the years, CSK has been the breeding ground for career revivals. The most recent example is Ajinkya Rahane. The former Rajasthan Royals skipper played some of his best T20 cricket with CSK and played a key role in helping the team win its fifth title in 2023. 

What’s the context you may ask? Well, the current CSK squad has two former India international players who’ve dropped way down the pecking order. Both Deepak Hooda and Vijay Shankar were once part of the Indian set-up but after a couple of disappointing seasons both in the domestic circuit and the IPL, their stocks have dropped massively. 

Looking at all the teams in the IPL, if there is one franchise that can revive their careers it’s CSK. Add to that the fact that CSK also need a spin-basher as well as a finisher, getting one of them to deliver will kill two birds in stone for the CSK management. 

Threat

Looking at the make up of this squad, despite building a 25-men squad, the team will be heavily reliant on 16-17 core members, thus any injuries to keep personnel without backups can be a cause for concern. However, compared to other squads, CSK have more reliable and experienced back-ups to call upon, which should help them in at least making the playoffs. 

Probable XII: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Devon Conway, Deepak Hooda, Shivam Dube, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesa Pathirana, Noor Ahmed/Rachin Ravindra (Impact Sub)

Prediction: 3rd