The 2025 IPL season has turned into a nightmare for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans, with the team losing five consecutive matches after a promising start. In a desperate bid to bounce back against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), captain MS Dhoni is likely to shake up the playing XI, benching out-of-form players and giving fresh faces a chance to prove themselves.

Who’s Out?

Two of CSK’s experienced players – Rahul Tripathi and Vijay Shankar – are expected to be dropped. Tripathi has managed only 46 runs in four matches at a disappointing average of 11.50, while Shankar has failed to deliver impactful innings, scoring just 109 runs across four games.

Who’s In?

Dhoni may turn to youth to revive CSK’s fortunes:

• Vansh Bedi and Sheikh Rashid, who have impressed in domestic cricket, are likely to debut.
• Jamie Overturn, after being benched post his underwhelming debut, is tipped to return, adding strength to the lower middle order and offering a few overs with the ball.

Batting Woes Continue

The biggest concern for CSK remains their brittle batting line-up. With Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out for the season, the top order has looked vulnerable. The team’s failure to cross even 110 runs against KKR was a glaring sign that changes are inevitable.

Predicted CSK Playing XI vs LSG

1. Rachin Ravindra
2. Devon Conway
3. Vansh Bedi
4. Sheikh Rashid
5. Jamie Overturn
6. MS Dhoni (C & WK)
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Ravichandran Ashwin
9. Noor Ahmed
10. Anshul Kamboj
11. Khalil Ahmed

This bold mix of experience and youth could be CSK’s best chance to get back to winning ways. All eyes will be on Dhoni’s new strategy as the Yellow Army fights to stay alive in IPL 2025.