IPL 2025: MS Dhoni forced to bat lower down the order in CSK playing XI picked by Ambati Rayudu

Former India National Cricket Team player Ambati Rayudu has picked his Chennai Super Kings (CSK) playing XI for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. What caught the attention of many was he didn't pick Noor Ahmad and went with just two frontline spinners.

The Indian Premier League is less than a week away from now. The cash-rich tournament is all set to be played from 22nd March and it will be a cricket festival in India for more than two months with 10 teams fighting hard for the silverware.

Chennai Super Kings will be one of the contenders to win the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025

One of the contenders to win the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will be Chennai Super Kings. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side have some quality players in the squad and with the presence of MS Dhoni, they surely will be one of the favorites to win the title.

Chennai Super Kings, who have won five titles in the league, will be opening their campaign in the IPL 2025 against Mumbai Indians. The match will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday (23rd March) and they would be keen to start the tournament on high.

With Chennai Super Kings' first game around the corner, Ambati Rayudu picked his XI. Along with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, he feels that Devon Conway will be opening. The two were very successful as a pair in the IPL 2023 and would be keen to replicate the same form in the IPL 2025.

Rachin Ravindra, who is having a form of his life, will be taking the No.3 spot as per Ambati Rayudu. At No.4, the former CSK player was confused but mentioned that one of Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, or Vijay Shankar would be there. Following them will be the power-hitter Shivam Dube at No.5.

MS Dhoni will be taking the No.7 spot in the Chennai Super Kings playing XI - Ambati Rayudu

According to Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja will be taking the No.6 spot in the team. The all-rounder is expected to play a vital role for the team with bat and ball. He recently helped India National Cricket Team win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with his heroics.

MS Dhoni will be taking the No.7 spot in the Chennai Super Kings playing XI. The keeper-batter played a vital role for the team last year, batting down the order, and would be keen to make a big impact this year as well. Sam Curran got a nod ahead of Noor Ahmad in the Rayudu's XI.

He also picked Ravichandran Ashwin in his XI and will be the second spinner in the team. The two pacers picked by Ambati Rayudu are young Anshul Kamboj and Matheesha Pathirana. He added that the franchise will be using an Indian impact player, based on conditions.

Ambati Rayudu picks his Chennai Super Kings playing XI for the IPL 2025

Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda/Rahul Tripathi/Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Sam Curran, Matheesha Pathirana, Anshul Kamboj

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