Whichever pair takes the crease, CSK’s lineup looks ready to light up IPL 2025
Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have retained their core players while adding a few promising talents to maintain balance in their squad. With the 2025 IPL season approaching, the Stephen Fleming-coached side boasts a mix of seasoned campaigners like MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Devon Conway, alongside fresh faces like Vansh Bedi and Noor Ahmad. The auction also saw R Ashwin return and a focus on bolstering Indian fast-bowling talent. Let’s explore the four best opening combinations CSK could deploy for IPL 2025.
The Conway-Gaikwad partnership has already delivered remarkable results for CSK. In IPL 2023, the duo amassed 849 runs in 15 matches, including multiple fifty-plus stands and two-century partnerships. Conway, a reliable left-handed batter, has accumulated 924 runs in 23 IPL matches. Gaikwad, the future captain of CSK, boasts an impressive 2380 runs from 66 IPL appearances.
Their consistency at the top has been a cornerstone of CSK’s success. Their right-hand-left-hand combination keeps bowlers guessing, while their ability to anchor the innings or accelerate as needed ensures a steady start. However, the only drawback is their need to settle early in the innings. It could slow down the team’s scoring rate if both struggle simultaneously.
Vansh Bedi, a dynamic right-handed wicketkeeper-batter, could form a destructive opening pair with Devon Conway. Bedi’s performances in the Delhi Premier League 2024 season were eye-catching, where he smashed 221 runs in eight innings at an astonishing strike rate of 186. His prowess against both spin and pace—boasting strike rates of 193 and 174, respectively—makes him an exciting prospect.
Conway’s stability complements Bedi’s aggression, addressing the issue of slow starts from the previous seasons. If given ample opportunities, Bedi’s explosive style could set the tone in powerplays, alleviating pressure on the middle order. Signed by CSK for INR 55 lakh, this young talent has the potential to become a game-changer for the team.
Rahul Tripathi’s adaptability and fearless intent make him a strong candidate to open with Gaikwad. Despite his inconsistent stats in domestic cricket, Tripathi’s IPL journey has been marked by impactful performances. His 2022 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad saw him score 413 runs at a strike rate of 158, proving his mettle as a top-order aggressor.
Tripathi has experience opening the innings, notably during his debut IPL season in 2017 for Rising Pune Supergiant, where he scored 391 runs to help Pune reach the final. Pairing him with Gaikwad could provide CSK with an experienced, high-intent opening combination that adapts to match situations. His ability to accelerate in the powerplay and dismantle spin in the middle overs makes him a versatile addition.
The Kiwi duo of Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway could be another interesting choice. Rachin’s recent form has been sensational. He shone in the ODI World Cup 2023, scoring 578 runs with three centuries. In IPL 2024, he scored 222 runs in 10 games, proving his ability on Indian tracks.
Re-signed by CSK for INR 4 Cr, Rachin’s familiarity with Conway makes this pair promising. Both players are technically sound and adept at handling spin, making them a solid option on tricky pitches. He has opened for CSK in three matches in 2024 and scored only 54 runs. While Rachin is yet to prove his mettle as an IPL opener, his growing confidence makes him a viable choice.
