Chennai, April 25 (IPL 2025): The usually electrifying atmosphere at the MA Chidambaram Stadium is missing its pulse. Just a day before Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 43 of IPL 2025, Chepauk feels unusually quiet. The absence of buzzing fans, long queues for last-minute tickets, and the familiar roars at nets have given way to an almost eerie calm.
Perhaps it’s a reflection of CSK’s on-field struggles this season. With only two wins from eight matches, the five-time champions find themselves languishing at the bottom of the table—an unfamiliar position for a franchise that has defined consistency. Even Stephen Fleming, the ever-composed head coach of CSK, didn’t have much new to offer at the pre-match press conference. However, his tone was more hopeful than after their crushing nine-wicket loss to Mumbai earlier this month.
“We’re still hopeful of winning six out of six,” said Fleming, acknowledging the improbability. “Some will giggle at that, but RCB set a blueprint for that the year before.”
That RCB blueprint, which helped the Bengaluru-based franchise storm into the playoffs last year after a poor start, now serves as both inspiration and reminder—this league can still spring surprises.
SRH, who have had their own patchy campaign, share similar sentiments. Head coach Daniel Vettori, speaking after a recent defeat to MI, also referenced RCB’s turnaround. “There’ve been teams that resurrected their seasons, and RCB’s run last year is something we look at with hope,” he said.
Clash of Weaknesses More Than Strengths
What awaits fans on Friday isn’t necessarily a blockbuster, but it’s one of the most crucial games for both teams. The margin for error is non-existent, and neither CSK nor SRH can afford another slip.
The stats tell a curious tale. CSK have lost three of their four home games this season. SRH, meanwhile, haven’t won a single away game. The orange army has also never beaten CSK at Chepauk—a daunting mental hurdle.
Both sides come into the match with tactical headaches. CSK have been poor against spin, losing 25 wickets at an average of 18.84 and scoring just 6.61 runs per over—the worst in the league. Ironically, SRH’s spinners have fared the worst too, picking up just 8 wickets at an average of over 50.
Team Talk: Combinations & Chances
Chennai Super Kings:
All eyes are on the opening slot. Rachin Ravindra, once promising, is now under pressure. A prolonged chat between him and bowling consultant Eric Simons during practice hints at his vulnerable spot in the XI. Young wicketkeeper-batter Vansh Bedi, who impressed in intra-squad matches and had a solid net session, could earn his debut cap.
If CSK brings in Bedi, they may opt to rest Rachin and use their fourth overseas slot for Sam Curran, strengthening both batting and bowling balance.
Probable XI: Shaik Rasheed, Rachin Ravindra/Vansh Bedi, Ayush Mhatre, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Vijay Shankar/Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana, R Ashwin
Pathirana holds a key matchup edge, having dismissed SRH’s Heinrich Klaasen thrice in 22 T20 balls.
Sunrisers Hyderabad:
SRH opted to rest instead of training on match eve, given their packed schedule. Mohammed Shami’s dip in form could keep Jaydev Unadkat in the side. Their spin department—led by Rahul Chahar and Zeeshan Ansari—will look to exploit CSK’s vulnerability, hoping this is the game where their fortunes reverse.
Probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aniket Verma, Pat Cummins (c), Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga, Rahul Chahar
The Numbers Game
- SRH have lost the joint-most wickets in Powerplay (16) and average the lowest in this phase.
- CSK have the lowest strike rate in the Powerplay across all teams.
- Rachin Ravindra has the fourth-lowest strike rate among batters who’ve faced 100+ balls and the lowest among specialist openers. His lone fifty came in the opener against MI.
CSK vs SRH Live Streaming & Broadcast Info
CSK vs SRH Live Telecast: Star Sports Network (Select channels with Hindi, English, regional language options)
CSK vs SRH Live Streaming: JioCinema (free in India across all languages and devices)
What’s at Stake?
A win for either side won’t change their standing drastically overnight, but it’ll keep the playoffs dream alive. For CSK, it’s about salvaging pride and searching for combinations for the future. For SRH, it’s about proving they still have fuel left in the tank. And for the fans, especially in Chennai, it’s about finding a reason to believe again.
