Ex-MI Pacer In, Ruturaj Gaikwad Back As Opener; CSK's Probable XI vs PBKS

CSK will face PBKS on Tuesday evening [Source: AP]

On Tuesday, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their fifth group-stage match of the ongoing IPL 2025 season. The much-awaited clash will be played at Mullanpur Stadium in Chandigarh. 

Led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK have been abysmal across departments, losing three out of their first four matches. So, considering how they lost to Delhi Capitals in their previous game, the Super Kings could make some changes to their playing combination for this encounter. 

As they gear up for a riveting contest against PBKS, let's analyse and find out what could be their potential XI for this match. 

CSK's Playing XI For Last Match vs DC

Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (WK), R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana
Impact Player: Shivam Dube

Should Ruturaj Gaikwad Return To The Top As Opener?

(Gaikwad's stats as opener and number 3 batter in IPL)

Ruturaj Gaikwad has had a topsy-turvy journey since he has demoted himself to number three in the IPL 2025. However, the skipper has more prolific numbers as an opener, as evidenced by the above stats. 

So, his promotion could solve the top-order woes of CSK, who have miserably failed to find a solid opening pair this season. 

Gaikwad has excellent numbers with Conway being his partner, as the duo has struck 1208 IPL runs for the Super Kings, establishing it as the second most successful opening pair for the franchise after Mike Hussey and Murali Vijay. 

So, with three out of four games lost, CSK might rearrange their batting unit, swapping Gaikwad with Rachin Ravindra and allotting the number three slot to the latter. 

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Mukesh Choudhary Out, Anshul Kamboj In?

The Super Kings brought young seamer Mukesh Choudhary back into the mix against DC; however, the left-arm pacer had a forgettable outing. In his four-over spell, Mukesh conceded 50 runs while going wicketless in the high-voltage clash. 

So, with Khaleel Ahmed showcasing his mettle as a swing bowler, former MI speedster Anshul Kamboj could come in as Mukesh's replacement. 

Kamboj is a fine seam bowler and can ensure variety in CSK's new ball attack. He was impressive in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, scalping nine wickets at a superb economy of 6.73. 

CSK will likely keep the rest of their team unchanged, with Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Noor Ahmad and Matheesha Pathirana filling the remaining slots. 

CSK's Probable XI vs PBKS

Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (WK), R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana
Impact subtitute: Shivam Dube/Matheesha Pathirana

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