By Chirag - Apr 25, 2025 11:19 AM
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 continues its thrilling ride as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lock horns with SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Friday, April 25, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Both teams are in dire need of a victory, languishing at the bottom of the points table with just two wins each from eight matches.
CSK, led by an underwhelming campaign so far, sit at the very bottom with a solitary win in their last six games. While they managed to break their losing streak against Lucknow Super Giants, they couldn’t build on it, falling to a defeat at the hands of Mumbai Indians. Meanwhile, SRH also find themselves in trouble, positioned ninth only due to a marginally better net run rate. They too are reeling from back-to-back losses against Mumbai.
As both sides seek redemption and hope to revive their season, the battle at Chepauk promises to be intense. With that in mind, let’s take a look at three players who could make the biggest impact with the bat in today’s game.
Heinrich Klaasen has been one of the standout performers for SunRisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025. Despite SRH’s inconsistent outings, Klaasen has shown tremendous composure and consistency in the middle order. His recent knock of 71 runs off 44 balls against Mumbai Indians was a testament to his class, especially as he rescued SRH from a precarious position of 35/5.
The South African wicketkeeper-batter has accumulated 281 runs from eight matches at an average of 40.14 and an impressive strike-rate of 159.65. His ability to play under pressure and anchor the innings will be vital, especially in a tricky batting venue like Chepauk.
During the five-time winners' difficult season, Shivam Dube has become a vital member of Chennai's batting lineup. In their last match against Mumbai Indians, Dube registered his first fifty of the season, scoring 50 runs off 32 deliveries, including two fours and four sixes.
With an unstable top order, CSK will once again look towards Dube to provide the fireworks in the middle overs. He is CSK's top run scorer with 230 runs in eight games this season at an average of 38.33 and a strike rate of 133.72.
Abhishek Sharma, the young left-handed opener for SRH, has had a mixed season. Although he was dismissed for just eight runs in the last game against Mumbai Indians, he has shown glimpses of brilliance, including a remarkable century earlier in the tournament.
With 240 runs in eight matches, averaging 30 and boasting a strike rate of 183.20, Abhishek has the potential to turn games around. His aggressive intent at the top of the order could be crucial, especially on a pitch where scoring runs in the powerplay can dictate the course of the match.
Today's matchup is anticipated to be a high-stakes contest as both CSK and SRH are vying for their postseason spots. The form of key batters like Klaasen, Dube, and Abhishek Sharma will likely shape the outcome of this match. Fans can expect a fiercely contested clash as these two teams strive to get their campaigns back on track.
Also Read: IPL 2025: Who Could Take Most Wickets in CSK vs SRH Match?
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