As the IPL 2025 season approaches, teams are in the process of finalizing their squads, and for some players, the opportunity to play could be more elusive than others. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has an array of talented players, but with limited slots available in the playing XI, the battle for selection can be fierce. Here, we discuss three CSK players who might miss the golden chance of playing in IPL 2025 due to the intense competition within the squad.
Shaik Rasheed
Shaik Rasheed, an uncapped Indian batsman, has shown promise with his performances in domestic cricket and limited opportunities in the IPL. With 17 T20 matches under his belt, he has accumulated 352 runs at an average of 29.33, including a notable century. However, the competition for batting slots in CSK is tough. The likes of Rahul Tripathi, Devon Conway, MS Dhoni, and Ruturaj Gaikwad are established names, each with their unique strengths.
Rahul Tripathi’s ability to play all around the wicket, Conway’s prowess against both pace and spin, Dhoni’s legendary finishing skills, and Gaikwad’s consistent performances at the top make it challenging for Rasheed to break through. Gaikwad, in particular, has been in sublime form, which might relegate Rasheed to the bench unless he can showcase extraordinary performances in whatever chances he gets. Rasheed’s strike rate of 127.07 is commendable, but the question remains whether it’s enough to outshine the established stars. His role might be more as an impact player or a substitute unless CSK decides to rest or rotate their mainstays, giving him a window to prove his mettle.
Kamlesh Nagarkoti
Kamlesh Nagarkoti, known for his raw pace and youthful exuberance, has had a promising IPL journey but struggles with consistency and injuries. In 32 T20 matches, he has taken 29 wickets with a best of 3/14, but his average of 27.07 suggests room for improvement. The problem for Nagarkoti is not just his performance but also the competition. CSK has options like Sam Curran, who offers both bowling and batting, Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda, all of whom are versatile all-rounders capable of contributing with both bat and ball.
This versatility might push Nagarkoti further down in selection priority unless he can demonstrate significant improvement or specialize in a particular phase of the game where CSK feels they are lacking. His economy rate of 7.75 in T20s is not bad, but in a team where the strategy might lean towards more all-round capabilities, his chances could diminish. Only if CSK opts for a strategy focusing on pure pace or if there are injuries to key players might Nagarkoti find his way into the playing XI.
Shreyas Gopal
Shreyas Gopal, a leg-spinner with the knack for batting lower down the order, faces a steep climb to secure his spot in CSK’s lineup for IPL 2025. With 54 wickets in T20s at an average of 20.03, his bowling stats are impressive, but CSK’s spin department is already crowded with talents like Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, and Rachin Ravindra. Jadeja’s all-round capabilities, Ashwin’s experience, Noor Ahmad’s youthful promise, and Ravindra’s emerging talent make Gopal’s inclusion a complex decision.
Gopal’s challenge is not just about his bowling but also about fitting into a team where the competition for the spinner’s slot is intense. His batting could be his saving grace, but with others also offering depth in batting, he needs to prove his worth in the nets and perhaps in practice matches to edge out the others. His economy rate of 7.67 in T20s shows control, but in IPL, where every ball counts, CSK might opt for the more proven or versatile options unless Gopal can significantly outshine in training or in whatever matches he gets.
Looking Ahead
While Shaik Rasheed, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, and Shreyas Gopal bring unique skills to CSK, the challenge of breaking into the first XI is monumental due to the depth of talent within the squad. Their journey to IPL 2025 will require not just skill but also moments of brilliance in training, domestic cricket, or any opportunities they get in the IPL. For these players, it might not be about missing the chance but rather about creating one through persistence, adaptability, and standout performances when the opportunity arises.
