Shaik Rasheed’s Long-Awaited CSK Debut Steals Spotlight Amid Ashwin's Omission
So finally, after waiting patiently for three long seasons, Shaik Rasheed has officially stepped into the IPL spotlight wearing the iconic yellow jersey of Chennai Super Kings. And honestly, for those who’ve been following Indian domestic cricket and age-group tournaments, this moment has been a long time coming.
Rasheed was picked up by CSK in the 2023 auction, but he had to wait until April 14, 2025, to actually get a game. It was during CSK’s clash with Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium that he was handed his debut cap — and what made it even more notable was that he came in as a replacement for Devon Conway. That’s a big vote of confidence for a young batter who was the vice-captain of India’s U-19 team in the 2022 World Cup. In that tournament, he impressed with 201 runs in just four games at an average of 50 — calm, composed, and technically sharp.
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Since then, Rasheed has quietly built a solid resume in the domestic circuit. He’s scored two first-class centuries and has shown promise in T20s as well. Just before this IPL season, he smashed 297 runs in the Andhra T20 League 2024, averaging nearly 60 and striking at over 140. That kind of form can’t be ignored, and CSK clearly took notice.
But Rasheed’s inclusion also came with another major call — the exclusion of veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Yes, you heard it right. Ashwin, one of the biggest names in CSK’s bowling lineup, was dropped. His numbers this season just haven’t been up to the mark — only five wickets in six games, an economy nearing 10, and barely any impact in the powerplay. Even his famed edge against left-handers didn’t come through this time. Sunil Narine, of all people, smashed him for three sixes in a single powerplay in that KKR game, and that might have been the last straw.
Captain MS Dhoni made it clear at the toss — with dew expected in the second innings and a seam-friendly pitch, it made more sense to go with pace. That’s where Jamie Overton came in, replacing Ashwin. Overton, being a fast-bowling all-rounder, added more depth in both departments.
It’s a bold move from CSK — dropping a legend like Ashwin and placing faith in a young batter like Rasheed. But that’s the beauty of IPL, isn’t it? It’s where past reputations meet present performance. And for Rasheed, this debut is not just a personal milestone, but a sign that CSK is ready to back young Indian talent when it matters most.
Now it’s on Rasheed to make this opportunity count. After three years of waiting, he finally has the stage — and the whole cricketing world is watching.
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