Who is Shaik Rasheed? The CSK debutant who lit up the Dhoni-led side's top-order

In the Lucknow clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 14, 2025, a new name emerged on the IPL horizon: Shaik Rasheed.

The 20-year-old from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, made his debut for CSK, stepping in for the injured Devon Conway at the top of the order.

Opening the innings alongside Rachin Ravindra, Rasheed displayed impressive maturity beyond his years as he crafted a fluent 27 off just 17 balls, peppered with three crisp boundaries in a single over.

Facing the new ball under pressure, Rasheed’s ability to manoeuvre the field and find quick singles stood out, as did his straight drive and flick off the pads that caught the eye of commentators and fans alike. 

Eventually, he was dismissed by Avesh Khan, trying to accelerate, but not before giving CSK a promising start.

From U-19 Vice-Captain to IPL Debutant

Rasheed’s rise to the IPL is rooted in his standout performances in junior cricket. He was vice-captain of India’s U-19 team that clinched the 2022 World Cup.

Notably, he struck a gritty 94 in the semi-final against Australia. In domestic cricket for Andhra Pradesh, he’s piled up over 1,600 runs, earning CSK’s attention and a contract worth Rs 30 lakh in 2023. He was retained for the 2025 season, underlining the franchise’s long-term faith in him.

Why Rasheed Got the Nod Over Devon Conway

Devon Conway missed out on today’s game due to a minor injury concern, opening up a slot at the top. Rather than reshuffling the middle-order or promoting a regular, CSK chose Rasheed—a natural top-order batter with sound technique and timing.

It was a statement of faith from the team management, suggesting they see him as a long-term investment.

A Promising Start for CSK

Rasheed’s knock was more than just an impressive cameo. It provided CSK with early momentum in a chase of 167, allowing the experienced middle order some breathing space.

The debutant's ability to rotate strike and attack loose balls gave the innings rhythm from the outset. For a debutant, the clarity and confidence in his shot selection were remarkable.

Under the Mentorship of MS Dhoni

There are few better environments in cricket for a youngster than the CSK dressing room, and fewer mentors better than MS Dhoni.

Rasheed, already a calm and composed player, stands to gain immensely under Dhoni’s watchful eye.

Whether it’s refining his approach against spin or learning how to construct an innings in pressure scenarios, Rasheed’s growth curve could steepen rapidly in such a company.

The Road Ahead

This debut could be the beginning of something substantial. If Rasheed continues with the same composure, less nervousness, and stroke-making clarity, CSK might have uncovered another long-term top-order asset. As the season progresses, the IPL will be watching closely, and so will Dhoni.