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As Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gear up for IPL 2025, ensuring a reliable backup for MS Dhoni is crucial given his enduring role and the physical demands of wicketkeeping. Venkatesh Iyer, who has emerged as a multi-dimensional player, could be a solid contender. Iyer’s all-round capabilities, combined with his experience in domestic cricket and the […]
As Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gear up for IPL 2025, ensuring a reliable backup for MS Dhoni is crucial given his enduring role and the physical demands of wicketkeeping. Venkatesh Iyer, who has emerged as a multi-dimensional player, could be a solid contender. Iyer’s all-round capabilities, combined with his experience in domestic cricket and the IPL, make him an attractive option to step into the gloves if needed. Additionally, his background in academics, including his ongoing pursuit of a PhD, showcases his commitment and maturity, both valuable assets for the team.
Another potential backup could be Rahul Tripathi, whose role as a middle-order batter has often been underappreciated in the wicketkeeping domain. Tripathi has previously been a secondary choice for wicketkeeping but has significant IPL experience with over 2,200 runs and five T20 International appearances. His versatility and aggressive batting style could make him a useful addition to CSK’s lineup, providing both depth and flexibility. Lastly, a younger player like Vansh Bedi, who has shown promise in domestic T20s, could be considered to nurture as a future wicketkeeping option under Dhoni’s mentorship.
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CSK management could be eying a backup wicketkeeper for the team going ahead.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s knee injury, which has plagued him over the past two seasons, was a concern for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as they retained him for IPL 2025. Despite being in visible pain, CSK kept the former captain, who is now 43, for a salary of four crore rupees, given his influential role in the team.
Considering the physical toll of the wicketkeeper’s role, the CSK management may be looking at potential backup options to safeguard against any injury setbacks. The implementation of the Impact Player rule offers flexibility for CSK to utilize Dhoni as a substitute, optimizing his contribution without overburdening him. This strategic approach suggests that CSK may need to prepare backup wicketkeepers for the season ahead.
Vansh Bedi could be a promising backup option for the five-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The 21-year-old has limited experience, having played just 16 T20 matches in the domestic circuit. In this brief career, Bedi has scored 390 runs at an average of 32.22 and a strike rate of 149.48, with a highest score of 96 runs. While his batting potential is evident, his wicketkeeping record includes two catches and one stumping.
If MS Dhoni continues as a player in the CSK lineup, Bedi could benefit greatly from the guidance of the legendary wicketkeeper-batter. This mentorship could help develop Bedi’s skills and prepare him to step up when needed, strengthening CSK’s options behind the stumps and providing valuable backup in case of injuries or workload management for Dhoni.
The New Zealand opener has undeniably become a valuable asset for his team over the years. His performance in the IPL 2023 final showcased his ability to give the team strong starts. Although he missed IPL 2024 due to a thumb injury and was released before the IPL 2025 auctions, the management reacquired him at the mega auction, highlighting his importance to the squad.
In addition to his impressive batting, Conway is also a reliable wicketkeeping option. He has proven his skills behind the stumps for the Kiwis, having kept in 34 matches and taken 31 dismissals—comprising 25 catches and six stumpings. With his retention planned for the next three seasons, Conway could serve as a long-term wicketkeeping solution for the team.
Rahul Tripathi has often been underutilized as a wicketkeeper throughout his career, playing in teams with a designated first-choice keeper. This has also been the case with his batting, where he was typically seen as a versatile middle-order batter capable of accelerating the score and anchoring innings.
CSK likely recognized this dual ability when they secured him after Sunrisers Hyderabad released him. With 94 IPL games and five T20 Internationals under his belt, Tripathi brings valuable experience to the team. The 33-year-old has accumulated 2,227 IPL runs in his career, making him a strong addition for CSK’s middle order.
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