IPL 2025: CSK vs KKR Probable Playing XI, Key Player Stats & Head-to-Head Battles

The Indian Premier League 2025 season brings another exciting clash as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Both teams will be aiming to strengthen their positions on the points table with a crucial win. Here's a detailed match preview with predicted playing elevens, player statistics, and important matchups between batters and bowlers.

Predicted Playing XI for CSK

• Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)

• Rachin Ravindra

• Shivam Dube

• Moeen Ali

• MS Dhoni (WK)

• Sameer Rizvi

• Ravindra Jadeja

• Maheesh Theekshana

• Deepak Chahar

• Matheesha Pathirana

• Tushar Deshpande

The Super Kings are likely to continue backing Ruturaj Gaikwad as their leader, with Dhoni still playing a key mentorship and wicketkeeping role. The bowling will once again rely heavily on Pathirana’s death-over skills and Jadeja’s all-round abilities.

Predicted Playing XI for KKR

• Phil Salt (WK)

• Sunil Narine

• Venkatesh Iyer

• Shreyas Iyer (C)

• Rinku Singh

• Andre Russell

• Ramandeep Singh

• Mitchell Starc

• Varun Chakravarthy

• Harshit Rana

• Vaibhav Arora

Kolkata’s core remains power-packed with explosive hitters like Russell and Salt, and bowling variety with Starc and Chakravarthy. Skipper Shreyas Iyer will anchor the middle order while Narine is expected to continue his attacking starts.

Key Batter vs Bowler Matchups

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Mitchell Starc

• Stats: Gaikwad has a strike rate of 134 against left-arm pace.

• Battle: Starc's new ball threat could test Gaikwad’s technique early on, especially under lights.

2. Rinku Singh vs Maheesh Theekshana

• Stats: Rinku has struggled against mystery spin, averaging under 20.

• Battle: Theekshana’s variations could neutralize Rinku’s power-hitting in the middle overs.

3. Shivam Dube vs Varun Chakravarthy

• Stats: Dube has dominated spin with a strike rate over 160.

• Battle: Dube’s matchup against Chakravarthy could define CSK’s middle-overs momentum.

Head-to-Head Record

• Matches Played: 29

• CSK Wins: 18

• KKR Wins: 10

• No Result: 1

Chennai holds a commanding lead in their head-to-head battles against Kolkata, but KKR will look to flip the script with a balanced squad in IPL 2025.

Players to Watch

Rachin Ravindra (CSK)

The New Zealand all-rounder has impressed in the top order and provides part-time spin, making him a key asset.

Sunil Narine (KKR)

Back as an opener, Narine has provided quick starts and economical spells with the ball, maintaining his impact across formats.

Matheesha Pathirana (CSK)

Known for his toe-crushing yorkers, Pathirana is emerging as one of the best death bowlers in the tournament.

Andre Russell (KKR)

A game-changer with both bat and ball, Russell’s late-order hitting remains a big threat for CSK.

Match Venue and Conditions

The match will be played at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, known for its slow and turning pitches. Spinners are expected to play a significant role, and a score of 160-170 could be highly competitive.

Live Streaming and Broadcast

The match will be available for live streaming on JioCinema and broadcast on Star Sports Network. Fans can also catch highlights and real-time stats via IPL’s official app.