CSK vs KKR – Playing 11, Toss Update & Match Prediction

Check out the playing XI, toss result, pitch report, and match prediction for today’s CSK vs KKR IPL 2025 clash. Stay updated with key match insights and expert analysis.

Only three teams in IPL history have won the title three or more times — and two of them are about to go head-to-head in a high-stakes clash that could shape their seasons. It’s Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders at the fortress of Chepauk, and this one’s got all the makings of a blockbuster. 

Both sides have had stuttering starts to IPL 2025, which only raises the stakes further. For CSK, things are looking particularly dire. With just one win in five games, they’re languishing near the bottom of the table. And to make matters worse, they’ve lost their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for the rest of the tournament due to an elbow fracture. That’s thrust MS Dhoni back into the leadership role — and Chennai fans are hoping their iconic leader can spark a turnaround, both with his calm presence and finishing skills. Let’s be honest: if CSK don’t win this one, their playoff dreams will start slipping out of reach. 

KKR, while not in panic mode yet, aren’t exactly flying either. They’ve picked up two wins from five but haven’t quite hit their stride. A fourth loss would put them in dangerous territory, especially with the competition heating up. They’ve been involved in a couple of nail-biters already, but results are what matter, and they need to start converting those tense finishes into victories. 

And then there’s the venue. Chepauk has always been a tough place for KKR. In 29 previous meetings, they’ve only managed 10 wins at this ground — a stat that heavily favors the Super Kings. Even with CSK’s current struggles, home support and familiarity with the conditions could make all the difference. With so much on the line and both teams desperate to get their campaigns back on track, expect sparks to fly in Chennai.  

CSK vs KKR Toss Update 

Will be updated as soon as the toss happens.

CSK vs KKR Starting XI 

Both teams have a strong squad, and their Playing 11 is expected to feature some of the best names in world cricket. Here's a look at the possible lineups for CSK and KKR: 

Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Rahul Tripathi, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni (c,wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed  

Impact Subs: Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Jamie Overton, Sheikh Rasheed 

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock, Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Spencer Johnson, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy   

Impact Players: Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Moeen Ali   

CSK vs KKR Match Prediction 

As both teams have solid squads, predicting a winner in today’s match is difficult, but here’s how it might unfold: 

Match Prediction: Neither KKR nor CSK have hit the ground running this season, but it’s Chennai who find themselves in much deeper trouble. For MS Dhoni’s side, this match is nothing short of a must-win if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. Chepauk has long been CSK’s fortress, a venue where they’ve dominated for years — but things haven’t gone their way this time around. They’ve already lost two of their three home games this season, and fans are desperate to see that home aura return. 

The good news for CSK is that Dhoni is back at the helm. With 'Thala' leading the side again, there’s a renewed sense of belief that the team can rediscover their spark at Chepauk. But KKR won’t make it easy. While their record in Chennai isn’t great, their spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy could be game-changers on this surface. If the pitch offers any grip, expect both spinners to play a massive role in deciding how things pan out. It’s set up to be a fascinating contest.