IPL 2025: CSK Playing XI vs PBKS- Match 49

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are already out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with just two victories in nine group-stage encounters after their loss against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at home.

Chennai, as their current leader, MS Dhoni, mentioned in the last few post-match presentation ceremonies, will try to avoid the bottom of the table and make sure they start to be practical and start preparations for the upcoming season. They could look to give more chances to the youngsters.

CSK will play the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at home, the MA Chidambaram Stadium, on April 30, 2025, in their next game of the season.

IPL 2025: CSK Playing XI vs PBKS- Match 49

Openers- Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre

Shaik Rasheed, who did well against the Lucknow Super Giants on his debut IPL game for CSK, ended up with a first-ball duck against Hyderabad. The right-handed batter went hard at the ball outside the off-stump into the hands of the first slip.

Also Read: PSL Teams Revolt Against PCB In Recent Clashes

Meanwhile, Ayush Mhatre had already caught the attention of many fans and pundits this season with his fantastic batting performances. The right-handed batter looked to take the responsibility a bit more in the previous game.

He ended up with 30 runs in 19 balls at a strike rate of 157.89, thanks to six boundaries. But he would hope to do better and use the period after the power play.

Middle order- Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, MS Dhoni (c & wk.)

Sam Curran couldn’t do well with both bat and ball in hand in the last game. CSK could look to use Jamie Overton in that position, as the batter has shown his skills of batting well in other leagues around the world. Ravindra Jadeja’s struggle against the spinners continued as he, despite getting a few lives, ended up with just 21 runs in 17 balls at a strike rate of 123.53.

Dewald Brevis smashed 42 runs in 25 balls at a strike rate of 168, thanks to four sixes and one boundary. The right-handed batter could have easily shouldered the side over the 165-run mark, but came on the wrong side of a brilliant catch by Kamindu Mendis.

CSK should look to use Shivam Dube better in the middle overs. M Dhoni, who made six runs in the last game, spoke about how the 154 runs in 19.5 overs couldn’t be justified on the surface, which was great in the first eight overs of the innings before getting a little slow.

Bowlers- Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmed, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana (Impact)

Anshul Kamboj has done a very good job with the ball with the right line and length, thanks to his figures of 1/16 in three overs, while Khaleel Ahmed ended with 1/21. Noor Ahmed was smacked for 42 runs in four overs for two wickets.

The issue for Chennai is that most of their bowlers have not been able to pick wickets in the crunch situations. Matheesha Pathirana keeps on delivering more wides in the game, which puts more pressure on the bowler in the death overs.

Also Read: Watch: “Slow Poison”- Virender Sehwag Trolls CSK

Quite ironically, CSK may look to use Nathan Ellis in his place in future games. The Australian pacer is known for his pace variations at the death overs and could make a late mark in the game.

CSK Predicted Playing XI vs PBKS- IPL 2025, Match 49

Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, MS Dhoni (c & wk.), Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmed, Khaleel Ahmed.

Impact Sub: Matheesha Pathirana