IPL 2025: Jadhav Advocates for Tripathi as CSK's No.3 Batter

Synopsis

Ahead of IPL 2025, Kedar Jadhav recommends Rahul Tripathi for the No.3 batting position for CSK, emphasizing his ability to disrupt any bowling attack. He reflects on the team's history and their rivalry with MI, which has always been a highlight of the tournament.

Key Takeaways

Rahul Tripathi is suggested as a key No.3 batter for CSK.
Kedar Jadhav believes Tripathi's unconventional style is crucial in the early overs.
CSK's matchups with MI are referred to as ‘El Clasico’ of IPL.
The rivalry has produced memorable clashes since IPL's inception.
Both teams boast a wealth of talent and multiple championships.

New Delhi, March 22 (NationPress) As the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gear up to kick off their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season against the Mumbai Indians in Chennai, former Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav has expressed that Rahul Tripathi should take on the No.3 batting role for the team, highlighting his capacity to unsettle any bowling attack.

Since joining the IPL with the now-disbanded Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017, Tripathi has established himself as a formidable top-order attacking batsman, effortlessly clearing the 30-yard circle.

In the previous IPL season, he scored 165 runs across six innings for Sunrisers Hyderabad, proving to be the missing link at No.3 during their chase of 215 runs against Punjab Kings. Now donning the CSK colors, Tripathi, who has represented India in five T20I matches, has garnered Jadhav's support to occupy the number three position, a role previously filled by Ajinkya Rahane.

“Should Devon Conway be fit, I’m confident he’ll partner with Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top of the order. They’ve been a consistent and successful opening duo. Following that, I would place my trust in Rahul Tripathi given his past strong performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad,” Jadhav stated to IANS on Saturday.

“Ever since Suresh Raina stepped away from CSK, a dynamic No.3 batter has been absent. Plus, while both Conway and Ruturaj are traditional batsmen, Rahul’s unconventional style can disrupt any bowling attack, which is crucial in the initial overs. Hence, these three are pivotal,” he added.

Since the IPL's establishment in 2008, matchups between MI and CSK have delivered unforgettable encounters, with their rivalry often referred to as the ‘El Clasico’ of the tournament. Although MI holds the edge with 20 victories, CSK has triumphed in 17 of their encounters.

Having once secured a match for CSK in 2018 despite a hamstring injury, Jadhav believes the competition for supremacy between MI and CSK injects excitement into their rivalry. “Both teams are packed with stars, and both Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians are highly successful franchises, each with five IPL titles to their name.”

“The ongoing battle to claim the top spot is what intensifies the rivalry. When MI wins, they pull ahead of CSK, and vice versa. This competitiveness often leads to thrilling clashes between these teams,” he elaborated.

“Particularly at Wankhede, the atmosphere is electric as the crowd is incredibly supportive. They cheer for quality cricket, regardless of the team. Moreover, the glamour surrounding the MI-CSK matches at Wankhede amplifies the excitement, contributing to why we consider these encounters ‘El Clasico’ as blockbuster events,” he concluded.