IPL 2025: Top 5 CSK Players So Far

IPL 2025: CSK has been among the most consistent teams in IPL history, having thrived for five titles. Consistency and a giant fan base had CSK boasting some of the finest cricketers in the league’s history. The franchise has reached the finals of the IPL an incredible 10 times, and their success proves the integration of a good mix of leadership, teamwork, and individual performances from key players. These players have been an important part of the team’s success and continue to be held dear by CSK fans worldwide.

5 greatest players in CSK’s history before IPL 2025

 

5. Faf du Plessis

Though Ambati Rayudu, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shane Watson also found a place in the fray, Faf du Plessis finds himself in the fifth position in the list of greatest CSK players. The former South African captain had been a coveted asset for CSK from 2012 till he was annexed by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2022. Though he may be off the CSK team now, he stays with CSK, plowing on for CSK in the T20 leagues of the world.

 

Faf was signed by CSK in 2012 for a mere ₹60 lakh. He played 92 games for the team, scoring 2,721 runs at a strike rate of 131.44. He happens to be CSK’s third-highest IPL run-getter and has been part of three title-winning campaigns for the team. He was very instrumental for CSK at the top with his leadership and consistency in striking with the willow.

4. Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Bravo is the most effective overseas player CSK has ever played with. Bravo has been playing for CSK from 2011 to 2015 after returning to CSK in 2018 till his retirement in 2022. Bravo was more of a death-bowling specialist but could bat as well. Bravo became a useful performer for CSK during their title-winning years.

 

With 140 wickets and 1,004 runs in 116 matches for CSK, he is the record holder of the most wickets by a player for the franchise in the IPL history. The Purple Cap win in both 2013 and 2015 proves his enormous value as a bowler. But, after his playing career, Bravo has taken on other roles such as coaching and mentoring in IPL.

3. Suresh Raina

Perhaps lovingly known as “Chinna Thala” by CSK’s fans, Suresh Raina has been one of the most iconic faces of the franchise. With 4687 runs from 176 matches at a strike rate of 136.88, Raina remains CSK’s all-time top run scorer, and he was one of the key players during their three IPL titles. Often the team’s crux in the middle order, Raina would be the go-to man for the team time and again.

 

The stalwarts for CSK were Raina’s deputyship to Dhoni, unbelievable fielding, and anchoring of the innings. His IPL career also includes a period when he was captain of Gujarat Lions as CSK was suspended between the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Raina’s career IPL runs stand at 5528 with a century and making him the fifth-highest run-getter in the history of the league.

2. Ravindra Jadeja

The backbone of the team has been Ravindra Jadeja as an all-rounder since 2012 when he joined in for ₹9.8 crores. Brilliant fielding, good spin bowling, and crucial batting contributions make Jadeja a constant force in CSK’s lineup through the years. He was even made a captain for a brief period in 2022 before MS Dhoni came back to the scene.

 

He is among a handful of men to have scored more than 2000 runs and taken 150 wickets in the IPL; he did this for CSK with 1,897 runs and 146 wickets in 172 matches. His heroics in the 2023 IPL final played a match-winning cameo to help CSK lift their fifth title. Jadeja has also been retained by CSK for IPL 2025 further cementing his place in the team’s future.

1. MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni is the undisputed legend of CSK and will forever be synonymous with this franchise. Here is a man known for his cool-headed leadership that led CSK to five IPL titles and countless memorable moments. Since joining CSK in 2008, Dhoni has been the heartbeat of the team, guiding them through both highs and lows.

 

Dhoni has scored 4,669 runs in 234 IPL matches for CSK and is the second-highest run-scorer in the history of this franchise. As a captain, he claims and has broken many records; he has won most games as captain and has the highest number of dismissals caught behind the wicket by a wicketkeeper as captain, 190.

His leadership and the skills with which he finishes matches seal his place as one of the all-time greats to play the game. Even as he is going to be 43 years of age, Dhoni will continue to be a vital component of the CSK set-up and has earned an extension in his stay with the franchise for IPL 2025, where he will look to make more magic happen for his beloved franchise.

Players of Dhoni’s caliber have been the reason why Chennai Super Kings have enjoyed such a fine record in the IPL all these years. The team members, though led again by Dhoni as the undisputed hero of the team and CSK, will now see the performances of Bravo, Raina, Jadeja, and Faf, making an indelible mark in CSK history. IPL 2025 will soon be here, and then fans can expect similar thrilling performances from these legends as they chase glory for CSK.

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