IPL 2025 Match Preview: Chennai Super Kings Vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad At Chepauk Stadium

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 brings a high-stakes clash as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 43 at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, on Friday, April 25. Both teams, languishing at the bottom of the points table with just four points from eight games, are in desperate need of a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. This battle of survival promises intensity, with CSK’s home advantage pitted against SRH’s explosive potential. Here’s a detailed preview of the matchup.

Current Form and Challenges

Chennai Super Kings: A Struggling Fortress

CSK, the five-time IPL champions, are enduring one of their worst seasons, equaling their poorest start in 2022 with only two wins from eight games. Their once-impregnable home ground, Chepauk, has been breached, with three consecutive losses following an opening win against Mumbai Indians (MI). The team’s struggles stem from an inconsistent batting lineup, over-reliance on veteran MS Dhoni, and a failure to adapt to seamer-friendly conditions at home, which have diminished their traditional spin dominance. Head coach Stephen Fleming has expressed frustration over the unfamiliar Chepauk surface, noting its deviation from the spin-friendly wickets CSK typically exploit.

The absence of regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, sidelined by injury, has forced Dhoni to take over as captain, marking his 400th T20 match. However, Dhoni’s troublesome knee has restricted his mobility, limiting his batting to lower-order cameos at No. 9, which has hurt CSK during crucial chases. The team’s bowling, particularly their spinners, has taken only 11 wickets in their last three home games, a stark contrast to their historical strength. Despite these challenges, CSK’s recent signings, including 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre and South Africa’s Dewald Brevis, offer hope for a batting revival.

• Rachin Ravindra: With 279 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 136.76, Ravindra is a vital top-order anchor.
• Shivam Dube: Despite a dip in form, Dube’s 255 runs at a strike rate of 128.78 make him a potential game-changer.
• Noor Ahmad: The young spinner could exploit Chepauk’s grip, with 12 wickets at an economy of 7.67.
• MS Dhoni: His death-overs batting, field placements, and tactical acumen remain critical.

SRH started IPL 2025 with a bang, posting the tournament’s highest-ever total against Rajasthan Royals, but their campaign has since unraveled, with six losses in their last seven games. Their ultra-aggressive batting approach, which powered 280+ totals last season, has faltered, with the explosive opening pair of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma failing to replicate their 2024 heroics. Head has scored 276 runs at a strike rate of 155.93 but lacks consistency, while Sharma’s lone standout performance came against Punjab Kings. Head coach Daniel Vettori has highlighted the team’s over-reliance on their openers, noting that the middle order, including Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan, hasn’t stepped up consistently.

SRH’s bowling unit has also struggled, with questions over their ability to contain CSK’s batters on a slow Chepauk pitch. However, their historical struggles at Chepauk—SRH have never beaten CSK in Chennai—add pressure to an already bruised side. The potential inclusion of spinner Rahul Chahar, who has an economy of 6.2 at Chepauk and keeps CSK’s key batters like Dhoni and Jadeja in check, could be a tactical move.

• Heinrich Klaasen: SRH’s best batter with 347 runs at a strike rate of 152.86, his role as a finisher or potential promotion up the order is crucial.
• Travis Head: His 276 runs at a strike rate of 155.93 make him a dangerous starter if he finds rhythm.
• Rahul Chahar: If selected, his spin could trouble CSK’s middle order, with a strong record at Chepauk.
• Pat Cummins: The captain’s leadership and bowling variations will be key on a slow pitch.

CSK have dominated SRH historically, winning 15 of their 21 encounters, while SRH have managed only six victories. At Chepauk, CSK’s record is even more formidable, with SRH yet to secure a win against them at this venue. Despite SRH’s slightly better recent form (56.25% win rate compared to CSK’s 50% over the last year), CSK’s experience and home advantage give them a psychological edge.

The Chepauk pitch in IPL 2025 has been unpredictable, deviating from its traditional spin-friendly nature to favor seamers, frustrating CSK’s spin-heavy strategy. While spinners have still claimed 27 of the 50 wickets at the venue this season, the surface has seen low-scoring games, with CSK collapsing to 103 against Kolkata Knight Riders. The pitch tends to slow down in the second innings, making strokeplay challenging, and chasing teams have struggled, with totals like 143 and 139 proving defendable last season. Dew could play a role, potentially favoring the team bowling first, but the toss remains critical given CSK’s preference to chase in humid conditions.

• Average first innings score: ~150-160 (based on varied outcomes, e.g., 155 chased, 103 defended).
• Spinners’ wickets: 27/50 this season.
• Highest over total: Under 21.5 runs, with no over exceeding 19 this season.

1. Noor Ahmad vs. Heinrich Klaasen: CSK may save Matheesha Pathirana’s overs for Klaasen, but Noor Ahmad’s spin could challenge the South African, who has scored only 51 runs off 58 balls against spin this season.
2. Rahul Chahar vs. MS Dhoni/Jadeja: If SRH include Chahar, his ability to restrict Dhoni (strike rate 56) and Jadeja (strike rate 88) could tilt the middle overs.
3. Rachin Ravindra vs. SRH’s Powerplay Bowlers: Ravindra’s struggles against spin and recent single-digit scores make him vulnerable, but a strong start could set CSK’s tone.
4. Travis Head vs. CSK’s Spinners: Head’s aggressive approach will be tested by Noor Ahmad and Ravichandran Ashwin, especially if CSK attack with spin early.

• CSK: With Gaikwad out, CSK’s top order relies on Ravindra and debutant Shaik Rasheed, but their middle order (Dube, Jadeja, Vijay Shankar) needs to fire. Dhoni’s tactical nous, particularly in managing spinners like Noor Ahmad and Ashwin (potentially as an impact sub), could exploit Chepauk’s grip. CSK may opt to bowl first if dew is a factor, leveraging Pathirana and Khaleel Ahmed in the death overs.
• SRH: SRH’s batting hinges on Head and Sharma providing a fiery start, but Vettori may push Klaasen up the order to counter CSK’s spin threat. Including an extra spinner like Chahar or Kamindu Mendis could help SRH control the middle overs, while Cummins and Mohammed Shami must adapt to the slow pitch.

Despite CSK’s historical dominance and home advantage, their current form makes this a close contest. SRH’s batting firepower, led by Klaasen and Head, gives them a slight edge, especially if their middle order clicks. However, CSK’s experience at Chepauk and Dhoni’s leadership cannot be underestimated. Betting odds favor SRH (per Dafabet), but CSK’s spin attack and home crowd could tilt the scales.

Predicted Winner: Chennai Super Kings, provided they leverage their spinners and Dhoni orchestrates a disciplined bowling effort. A low-scoring thriller (under 160) is likely, with CSK defending if they bat first.

• Highest total runs in a single over: Under 21.5 (1.91 odds, William Hill).
• Top CSK batter: Rachin Ravindra or Shivam Dube.
• Top SRH batter: Heinrich Klaasen.
• Match winner: CSK (value bet due to home advantage).

• TV: Star Sports Network (India).
• Live Stream: JioHotstar app and website (India).
• Match Start: 7:30 PM IST, toss at 7:00 PM IST.

This clash is a do-or-die for both CSK and SRH, with pride, momentum, and a mathematical shot at the playoffs at stake. CSK’s home struggles and SRH’s inconsistent batting make this a battle of resilience. Expect a tense, spin-dominated game, with Dhoni’s tactical brilliance and Chepauk’s vocal Yellow Army potentially giving CSK the edge. Will CSK revive their campaign, or can SRH break their Chepauk jinx? Fans are in for a gripping encounter.

Note: For the latest updates, follow live scores on www.espncricinfo.com or www.iplt20.com. For tickets, visit www.district.in or www.insider.in.