CSK and SRH both have potent bowling lineups for IPL 2025. SRH’s pace attack, led by Cummins and Shami, offers a slight edge, but CSK’s balanced attack with Pathirana, Curran, and Ahmed could prove equally effective in varying conditions.
CSK’s reputation for strategic team-building continues in IPL 2025, with a bowling attack showcasing a blend of experience and versatility. Their lineup is led by a trio of distinct talents:
Matheesha Pathirana
Matheesha Pathirana, often called the ‘Baby Malinga’ for his slinging action reminiscent of Lasith Malinga, has been a standout performer for CSK. His unorthodox style, coupled with pace and precision, makes him a potent force in the death overs. Pathirana’s pinpoint yorkers and adaptability across conditions have been instrumental in curbing opposition scoring and defending totals. With proven performances in previous seasons, he remains a key pillar of CSK’s bowling strategy for IPL 2025.
Sam Curran
Sam Curran, a versatile all-rounder, bolsters CSK’s lineup with his left-arm medium pace and batting prowess. Known for swinging the new ball and deploying clever variations, he proves effective at any stage of the game. Curran’s IPL record is marked by clutch performances, excelling in taking crucial wickets and contributing vital runs down the order. His extensive international T20 experience further enhances his ability to manage key moments, making him a valuable asset in CSK’s IPL 2025 campaign.
Khaleel Ahmed
Khaleel Ahmed, renowned for his left-arm pace, adds a crucial dimension to CSK’s attack with his swing, especially in the powerplay. Recent improvements in his pace and control over line and length make him a reliable option for exploiting early conditions. His skill in moving the ball both ways can disrupt opposition openers, providing CSK with a significant advantage in setting the tone for the innings.
SRH, in contrast, has crafted a bowling lineup that blends raw pace with tactical precision, creating a formidable attack:
Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, is both a leader and one of the most intimidating bowlers in world cricket. Known for his express pace and newfound mastery of the yorker, he excels across all phases of the game. Cummins thrives under pressure, particularly in the death overs, where his variations often prove decisive. His on-field leadership further enhances SRH’s bowling strategy, providing both skill and tactical acumen to their lineup.
Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami’s addition to SRH signals a bold move by the franchise. Renowned for his seam movement and precision, Shami is a master at exploiting early conditions. His IPL track record, particularly in striking early blows, underlines his ability to dismantle top orders. With experience and consistency, Shami becomes a crucial asset in SRH’s plans, setting the tone with sharp spells in the powerplay and giving his team the upper hand from the outset.
Harshal Patel
After impressive performances in previous IPL seasons, especially with his variations in the death overs, Harshal Patel brings an element of unpredictability to SRH’s bowling attack. Known for his slower balls, cutters, and wide yorkers, Patel has established himself as one of the best in finishing innings. His skill in managing pressure situations could prove vital in tight contests, where SRH needs to defend challenging totals or close out matches in the final overs.
When comparing the two teams:
Variety in Pace: Both teams boast players with considerable pace, but SRH may have the advantage with Cummins and Shami, who combine speed with consistent movement, making them a potent force. In contrast, CSK’s Pathirana and Curran offer pace in distinct ways—Pathirana’s unique slinging action presents a different challenge, while Curran’s all-round skills provide versatility.
Death Bowling: This clash could be tightly contested. While Pathirana has proven his effectiveness at the death, Harshal Patel’s experience and strong success rate in similar situations give SRH a slight edge. However, Curran’s versatility and ability to contribute in multiple phases of the game could tilt the balance in CSK’s favor in certain matchups.
Swing and Early Breakthroughs: Khaleel Ahmed for CSK and Mohammed Shami for SRH are both skilled at swinging the new ball, and their performances could play a pivotal role in shaping their teams’ control over the early stages of the innings. Shami’s experience and proven track record in such situations may give SRH a slight advantage in this aspect.
All-round Utility: Sam Curran stands out for CSK as a bowler who can also make significant contributions with the bat, offering added depth to the lineup. SRH, on the other hand, might lack this balance in their trio of pace bowlers unless they can effectively utilize other players in similar all-round roles to provide additional batting support.
Leadership and Tactical Acumen: Pat Cummins not only brings his formidable bowling skills but also his captaincy experience, which can significantly influence SRH’s bowling changes and field placements. This leadership advantage might give SRH a slight edge over CSK in terms of tactical decisions on the field.
In IPL 2025, both CSK and SRH have assembled bowling units capable of dominating on their day. SRH may have a slight upper hand with their pace and tactical options, particularly with Cummins leading the charge. However, CSK’s balanced attack, featuring Pathirana’s unique style, Curran’s all-round capabilities, and Khaleel Ahmed’s swing, could prove just as effective, if not more, across varying conditions. The success of these bowling units will hinge on how well players adapt to conditions, the support from their teams, and the moments of individual brilliance that IPL often delivers. As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see how these strategies unfold, potentially shaping the narrative of IPL 2025.
