Chennai Super Kings: spin-first plan and the Gaikwad anchor
Five titles and the longest winning culture in the league. The desk tracks Chepauk's spin-led formula, the Dhoni finishing cameo and the depth beyond the XI.
Last-five form: W W L W W
CSK's chase rate at Chepauk has dipped to 88% in 2025 - still league-best, but down from the 95% mark of 2023. The bowler economy has tightened to 8.1; the batting at the death has slipped a touch.
Squad watch
Ruturaj Gaikwad's strike rate in overs 7-14 now sits at 145 - the highest of his career. Devon Conway returns from injury; the Gaikwad-Conway opening pair has a sample size of 14 innings and averages 51. Ajinkya Rahane is the No. 3 if the opposition is a left-arm heavy attack.
The Dhoni cameo is the tactical story of every close chase. Used at No. 5 or 6, his finishing ratio in overs 18-20 against pace has been the leading indicator for the team's last-over success rate.
Next three fixtures
vs Mumbai Indians (home), vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (away), vs Delhi Capitals (home). The SRH game is the toughest test - the Pat Cummins attack typically takes pace off in the middle overs.
Depth chart
Opening: Gaikwad, Conway. Middle: Rahane, Shivam Dube, Dhoni. Spin-bowling allrounders: Jadeja, Moeen Ali, Rachin Ravindra. Pace: Pathirana, Tushar Deshpande, Shardul Thakur. Spin: Jadeja, Theekshana. The impact-sub window is the source of CSK's tactical creativity.
Editor's note
CSK's ceiling is the Gaikwad-Conway opening stand producing 80+ in the powerplay. Their floor is when Pathirana is held back until the 12th over and the middle overs leak runs. The trade window usually does not touch CSK - their retention list is long and the bench is selected, not assembled.
