As the IPL season enters its critical final stretch, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The two bottom-ranked teams face off on Friday, April 25, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, in what effectively becomes a knockout game. A loss here would all but end either side’s playoff hopes.
Team Form & Selection
CSK come into this fixture with more questions than answers. After a brief resurgence against Lucknow, they were dismantled by Mumbai, and signs suggest the team may already be planning for next season. Youngsters Shaik Rasheed and Ayush Mhatre have been trialed at the top of the order, while Dewald Brevis could slot in at No. 4 after recent inclusion.
Matheesha Pathirana, who struggled against Mumbai, may be left out, possibly paving the way for Sam Curran to return. The team seems to be experimenting, but a strong showing on home turf could reignite belief.
SRH, meanwhile, have suffered a blow with Mohammed Shami ruled out due to injury. His place is likely to be taken by Jaydev Unadkat, but the team’s broader struggles — particularly with consistency and execution — continue to hinder their campaign. There may be changes in their bowling line-up with Kamindu Mendis in contention to add spin variety.
Pitch Report
The Chennai track has developed a reputation late in the season for being slow and deteriorating, favouring bowlers, especially spinners. CSK managed only 103 runs against KKR on this surface in their last home game, an indication of the challenging conditions for batters.
Expect another low-scoring, attritional battle, with spin playing a significant role. Both sides have suffered frequent batting collapses, and it would not be surprising if the match turns into a grind.
Players to Watch
Travis Head: SRH’s aggressive opener has shown glimpses of brilliance, leading the team in boundaries hit this season. But his past record in Chennai suggests he might need to temper his natural game to suit the pitch.
Dewald Brevis: A wildcard for CSK, Brevis has the potential to shift momentum if he gets time at the crease. His likely promotion to No. 4 could be key.
MS Dhoni: The veteran is set to play his 400th professional T20 game, and with fanfare high, any significant contribution could spark emotional celebrations.
Prediction
Both teams are in poor form, lacking cohesion and confidence. CSK, however, may have a slight edge playing at home, especially if their spinners find rhythm on a pitch expected to slow down further. SRH’s bowling remains a major concern, particularly with Shami out, and their over-reliance on power-hitting may not pay off in these conditions.
This encounter might not be a run-fest, but it promises tension, grit, and a fierce battle for survival in IPL 2025
