Chennai’s Fortress Under Threat – Will SRH Break the Streak?

As IPL 2025 crosses the one-month mark, the pressure is mounting. Teams are entering the return leg of the league, and every match from here on out could shape the playoffs. Right now, both Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) find themselves in a tight spot. Sitting at the bottom of the table, both sides still have a theoretical chance of qualifying — but only if they win all their remaining six matches. That journey begins Friday.

But that’s easier said than done.

Tough Season for Both Sides

Both CSK and SRH have just two wins each, with CSK equalling their worst-ever start — also recorded in 2022. The common issue? Struggling batting line-ups.

SRH’s form is especially surprising. Just last year, they were smashing 250+ scores regularly. With big hitters like Ishan Kishan joining the squad, expectations were high. But the power-packed batting unit just hasn’t clicked this season.

CSK have had a similar story. Most of their auction picks haven't been delivered (except Noor Ahmad), and some of their senior players haven’t performed as expected.

Recent Form: A Mixed Bag

CSK: L W L L L
SRH: L L W L L

Both teams are entering this match on the back of tough results. A turnaround is possible — but only with something special.

Spotlight Players: Ayush Mhatre and Pat Cummins

Ayush Mhatre showed promise in CSK’s previous game against Mumbai Indians. In a team where the experienced players are misfiring, the youngster has a chance to shine again and solidify his spot.

On the other hand, Pat Cummins, despite being one of the best pacers in world cricket, has struggled to lead SRH’s bowling unit effectively. SRH have taken the fewest wickets (38) and conceded the highest economy rate (10.59) this season. Cummins is trying to shoulder the load but hasn't had much luck, with his wickets coming at a steep cost.

Possible Playing XIs

Chennai Super Kings (Predicted):
Rachin Ravindra, Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Jamie Overton, R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmad/Matheesha Pathirana

Sunrisers Hyderabad (Predicted):
Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Rahul Chahar/Kamindu Mendis

SRH may opt for an additional spinner considering the spin-friendly Chepauk pitch.

Strategy Watch: Should Klaasen Bat Higher?

Heinrich Klaasen has been SRH’s top performer with 281 runs at an average of 40.14 and a strike rate of 159.65. The question now is — should he move up the order to take on CSK’s spinners early on or stay back as a finisher?

CSK’s recent home games have shown vulnerability against spin. In their last Chepauk outing against KKR, they lost six wickets for just 55 runs in 12 overs.

Pitch Talk: Spinners Will Play a Big Role

Chepauk has seen spinners dominate, with 27 of 50 wickets falling to spin so far this season. But CSK haven’t taken advantage due to their own batting woes against spin.

Meanwhile, Rahul Chahar could be a key weapon for SRH. He has taken 14 wickets at an impressive economy of 6.2. He has also kept CSK batters like Dhoni, Jadeja, and Dube quiet in past matches.

Milestone Match: Dhoni’s 400th T20 Game

This match also marks a massive personal milestone for MS Dhoni, who will be playing his 400th T20 match, joining an elite club that includes Rohit Sharma, Dinesh Karthik, and Virat Kohli.

But there’s more on the line than just a milestone. CSK’s home record this year has dipped drastically — winning just 25% of their matches at Chepauk, a venue where they usually boast a 68% win rate.

And here’s the stat SRH fans are watching closely: They have never beaten CSK in Chennai. Will that change on Friday?

Key Stats to Know

• CSK vs SRH at Chepauk: CSK unbeaten
   
• CSK's home win rate this season: 25% (vs usual 68%)
   
• Rahul Chahar's economy at Chepauk: 6.2
   
• Klaasen vs Pathirana: 26 runs, 22 balls, 3 dismissals
   
• Lowest strike rates vs spin this season: Jadeja (87.93), Dube (114.86)
   
• Four powerplay batters in this game haven’t hit a single six: Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Ishan Kishan, Shaik Rasheed
   

Final Word

This match is more than just another fixture — it's crunch time for both CSK and SRH. A loss here could all but end their playoff hopes. With history, milestones, and pride on the line, Friday promises a gripping clash at Chepauk.

Will Dhoni’s 400th be a celebration or a sorrowful turning point?