3 Auction Blunders CSK Can’t Afford in IPL 2025

Updated on: March 11, 2025

3 Auction Blunders CSK Can’t Afford in IPL 2025

3 Auction Blunders That Could Cost CSK in IPL 2025

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are one of the most successful franchises in Indian Premier League (IPL) history. With five IPL titles, they are tied with the Mumbai Indians (MI) as the most successful team in the tournament. However, despite their rich legacy and consistent performances, CSK fell short in IPL 2024, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot. The team underwent a major leadership change, with MS Dhoni stepping down from captaincy and Ruturaj Gaikwad taking over the reins. While Gaikwad did a commendable job, CSK would have wanted to address some of their weaknesses heading into IPL 2025.

The IPL 2025 auction was an opportunity for CSK to strengthen their squad and aim for a record sixth title. While they made some smart purchases and covered most of their bases, a few key decisions—or lack thereof—could come back to haunt them as the season progresses. In a high-stakes tournament like the IPL, minor miscalculations can make a significant difference between winning and losing.

Here’s a closer look at three critical auction mistakes that could prove costly for CSK in IPL 2025.

1. Not Buying a Backup Opener

A strong and reliable opening pair is crucial for any IPL team’s success, and CSK has depended heavily on Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway to provide solid starts. Over the past few seasons, Gaikwad has evolved into a key player for the franchise, showcasing consistency and an ability to anchor the innings. Conway, on the other hand, has been an excellent partner, complementing Gaikwad with his aggressive stroke play.

However, one major concern for CSK is the lack of a dependable backup opener. The nature of T20 cricket, especially the IPL, makes injuries, fatigue, and form slumps inevitable. If either Gaikwad or Conway gets injured or suffers a dip in form, CSK will be left scrambling for a replacement.

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Who Can Step In?

The only viable backup option CSK has is Rahul Tripathi, a seasoned domestic cricketer who has experience opening the innings in the IPL. While Tripathi has played as an opener for teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), his best performances have come when batting at No. 3. If he is pushed up to open, it could disturb the team’s overall batting strategy and balance.

Moreover, CSK could have targeted a proven backup opener during the auction, ensuring that they had a ready-made replacement if needed. Several quality openers were available, but the franchise didn’t aggressively pursue any. Players like Prithvi Shaw, KS Bharat, or even a solid overseas backup could have been useful additions. This oversight might cost them, especially if an injury forces them to shuffle their batting order.

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2. Questionable Decision to Bid for Vijay Shankar

One of CSK’s most surprising purchases in the IPL 2025 auction was the acquisition of Vijay Shankar for INR 1.2 crores. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder has had an up-and-down IPL career and has never quite cemented himself as a consistent match-winner.

Shankar’s Underwhelming IPL Record

Shankar’s IPL statistics do not inspire much confidence:

• Matches Played: 72
• Runs Scored: 1,115
• Batting Strike Rate: 129.80
• Batting Average: 25.34
• Wickets Taken: 9 (in 39.4 overs)
• Bowling Economy Rate: 8.67

While he has had moments of brilliance, including a few impactful knocks for Gujarat Titans (GT), his overall contributions with both bat and ball have been modest at best. Given CSK’s history of investing in players who offer multi-dimensional skills, Shankar’s purchase seemed questionable.

Was He the Right Fit for CSK?

CSK has traditionally thrived on having reliable all-rounders who can contribute significantly in both departments. Players like Dwayne Bravo, Moeen Ali, and Ravindra Jadeja have played crucial roles in CSK’s success. However, Shankar does not offer the same level of impact. His bowling has been underutilized in the IPL, and his batting has not been explosive enough to justify his role as a finisher.

Better Alternatives CSK Could Have Considered
Instead of Shankar, CSK could have pursued players with proven track records in the league. Some better options they overlooked include:
• Shahbaz Ahmed: A left-arm spinning all-rounder who could have provided both bowling depth and finishing ability.
• Riyan Parag: A young and explosive middle-order batter with the ability to bowl useful leg-spin.
• Sam Curran (if available): A proven match-winner for CSK in the past who offers pace bowling and power-hitting.

By picking Shankar, CSK has taken a gamble, hoping that he will finally step up and deliver consistent performances. However, based on past records, this seems like a risky bet.

3. Over-Dependence on Shivam Dube for Middle-Order Power-Hitting

CSK boasts a solid and versatile batting lineup, but one major concern heading into IPL 2025 is their reliance on Shivam Dube as their primary power-hitter in the middle order. While Dube has shown glimpses of his immense hitting ability, CSK may have made a mistake by not securing additional firepower to support him.

Dube’s Crucial Role in the CSK Lineup

Dube is known for his aggressive batting style, particularly against spinners. His ability to clear boundaries with ease makes him an asset for CSK, especially in the middle overs. However, relying too heavily on one player to provide acceleration can be risky, as it increases the pressure on him to perform in every game.

MS Dhoni’s Role as a Finisher

While CSK still has MS Dhoni in their ranks, the former captain usually arrives at the crease in the last couple of overs to apply the finishing touches. Given his age and limited game time, Dhoni cannot be expected to carry the middle order like he did in his prime.

The Missed Opportunity: Will Jacks

CSK had a golden opportunity to address this issue in the auction by going after England’s explosive all-rounder Will Jacks. Jacks played a crucial role in RCB’s stunning turnaround in IPL 2024, helping them make a dramatic comeback in the second half of the season. His ability to play fearless cricket and take on both pace and spin would have been a perfect addition to CSK’s batting lineup.

However, CSK did not aggressively bid for Jacks, allowing Mumbai Indians to secure him for INR 5.25 crores. His presence in the CSK squad would have significantly reduced the pressure on Dube and provided an additional game-changer in the middle order.

Other Power-Hitters CSK Could Have Targeted

• Liam Livingstone: An explosive English batter who can also bowl off-spin and leg-spin.
• Heinrich Klaasen: A destructive South African wicketkeeper-batsman who excels in the middle overs.
• Rovman Powell: A West Indian power-hitter with immense finishing ability.

By not reinforcing their middle order with another big hitter, CSK might struggle in matches where Dube fails to fire.

Conclusion

While CSK remains one of the strongest teams in IPL 2025, these three auction mistakes could prove costly during the tournament. The absence of a backup opener, the questionable purchase of Vijay Shankar, and the over-reliance on Shivam Dube for power-hitting are all potential weak points that opponents might exploit.

CSK has a history of proving critics wrong, but they will need to find ways to mitigate these shortcomings if they want to secure a record sixth IPL title. Whether they can overcome these challenges remains to be seen, but fans will be hoping that their auction strategies don’t come back to haunt them.