IPL 2025 is more than a month away, but the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a major blow, as New Zealand cricketer Rachin Ravindra suffered a serious injury just before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

During the ODI tri-series opener against the hosts Pakistan in Lahore last Saturday (February 8) evening, New Zealand cricketer Rachin Ravindra got a massive blow on his face with the ball and was heavily bleeding on the field. He is still under the medical team's watch, and his participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is doubtful. 

While Ravindra’s injury status will be known later, he is in danger of missing IPL 2025, especially if he needs more time to heal from the injury. If Ravindra remains absent from the IPL 2025, CSK can watch out among the following three players as the New Zealander’s replacement. 

IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Top three players who can replace injured Rachin Ravindra

Ben Duckett (IPL 2025 Auction Base Price: INR 2 Crore)

As Rachin Ravindra plays the top-order batting role, the 30-year-old English cricketer Ben Duckett can be a strong replacement name as a left-handed batter. In the latest England tour of India, Duckett has proved his value as an opening batter as he likes to dominate in the powerplay. While CSK have some strong names in the middle order, Duckett can make the team stronger with his top-order batting commitment. Duckett is yet to make his IPL debut.

See Also: Former CSK star eyeing Test comeback after maintaining stunning form in domestic cricket

Mohammad Nabi (IPL 2025 Auction Base Price: INR 2 Crore)

The 40-year-old Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi brings huge experience and high-quality all-rounder values to any team. The right-handed batter is a clever hitter and always effective as an off-spinner. From 2017 to 2024, Nabi played 24 IPL matches serving for SunRisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians, where he scored 215 runs and picked up 15 wickets. 

Daryl Mitchell (IPL 2025 Auction Base Price: INR 2 Crore)

The 33-year-old New Zealand cricketer Daryl Mitchell is popular for his big-hitting abilities in the slog overs. While the right-handed batter is a powerful middle-order, he can also deliver the right-arm medium-pace bowling. He is also a great fielder. After playing for Rajasthan Royals in two matches in the IPL 2022, Mitchell played 13 matches for CSK last season. In his IPL career, he has scored 351 runs and taken one wicket in 15 games.

The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to kick off with an electrifying clash between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 22 at the iconic M.A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. As the cricketing world gears up for another thrilling season of IPL action, anticipation is at an all-time high. IPL 2024 promises to be an extravaganza of cricketing talent, featuring a captivating blend of seasoned veterans and exciting young prospects.

The upcoming IPL season is anticipated to be a star-studded affair, featuring a mix of established veterans and exciting young talents vying for glory.

With the T20 World Cup looming, the stakes for IPL 2024 have been raised even higher. The allure of securing a spot in the national teams for the mega event adds an extra layer of significance to every performance in the IPL. As players vie for glory and recognition, the stage is set for a riveting spectacle of cricketing prowess.

See Also: Watch: MS Dhoni’s final match as CSK captain; captaincy transferred to Ruturaj Gaikwad

Let’s delve into the profiles of five overseas players, each representing a different franchise, who are poised to leave a significant impact on IPL 2024:

1) Cameron Green – Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Cameron Green, the recruit for Royal Challengers Bangalore, made a splash in his debut IPL season with Mumbai Indians last year. His impressive performance, recording 452 runs in 16 innings at a strike rate exceeding 160, positions him as a critical player in RCB’s middle order alongside Glenn Maxwell.

Green will form a formidable partnership with his Australian teammate Glenn Maxwell this season in RCB’s middle order. With seven home matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Green is expected to thrive on the high-scoring ground and significantly contribute to RCB’s campaign.

2) Gerald Coetzee – Mumbai Indians

The South African pacer Gerald Coetzee joins Mumbai Indians as a replacement for Jofra Archer. With his ability to extract bounce off the surface and lower-order batting prowess, Coetzee is set to partner Jasprit Bumrah in the bowling attack, bolstering Mumbai’s formidable lineup.

His knack for extracting bounce off the surface makes him an ideal partner for Jasprit Bumrah in the bowling attack. With an impressive record of 60 wickets in just 40 T20 matches at an average of over 19, Coetzee is set to bolster Mumbai Indians’ bowling lineup.

3) Rachin Ravindra – CSK

CSK’s overseas acquisition, Rachin Ravindra, brings a wealth of experience from the international circuit. His versatility as an all-rounder, showcased through his stellar performances in various formats, makes him a valuable addition to CSK’s squad.

With CSK securing his services for Rs 1.80 crore, Ravindra brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the squad. His ability to excel with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset for CSK, especially with Devon Conway’s absence, which opens up opportunities for him to shine.

4) Azmatullah Omarzai – GT

Azmatullah Omarzai, the dynamic Afghan batsman, impressed IPL franchises with his stellar performance in the ODI World Cup. Bought by Gujarat Titans, Omarzai’s ability to score quick runs, evidenced by his impressive strike rate and average, positions him as a game-changer for his team.

His aggressive batting style, evidenced by his striking strike rate of 97.78, makes him a potent threat to opposition bowlers. With three half-centuries and an impressive average of 70.60 in the ODI World Cup, Omarzai is primed to impact the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024 significantly.

5) Travis Head – SRH

Travis Head’s remarkable performances in the recent World Cup, including a match-winning century in the final, highlight his prowess as an all-format player. With his development over the years, Head emerges as a sought-after player in the IPL auction, poised to impact Sunrisers Hyderabad significantly.

Head’s development as an all-format player has been remarkable, making him a sought-after commodity in the IPL auction. With a base price of Rs 2 crore, teams will be eager to secure his services and benefit from his batting prowess and leadership qualities.

IPL 2024 promises to be a thrilling season filled with excitement and drama. With talented overseas players ready to make their mark, fans can expect nothing short of enthralling cricketing action. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on these players as they aim to leave a lasting legacy in the annals of IPL history.