From Dilsukhnagar to the IPL: Shaik Rasheed Shines in CSK Debut

Shaik Rasheed, a 20-year-old batsman from Hyderabad, marked his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Monday.

Opening the innings with Rachin Ravindra against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Rasheed scored a composed 27 runs from 19 balls.

Humble Beginnings in Hyderabad

Rasheed’s cricket journey began in the streets of Dilsukhnagar, Hyderabad, where he played gully cricket from the age of eight.

He later joined the Sportive Cricket Club in the HCA League before his family relocated to Guntur. Despite financial hardships, Rasheed’s father supported his passion for the sport unwaveringly.

Mentorship from VVS Laxman

A turning point in Rasheed’s career came during the 2022 U-19 World Cup when VVS Laxman guided him to improve his mental game by visualizing bowlers and practicing shadow batting. This advice played a crucial role in shaping Rasheed’s approach.

A Commanding Start in IPL 2025

In Match 30 of IPL 2025, CSK registered a solid five-wicket win over LSG at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cricket Stadium.

Chasing a target of 167 on a slow surface, CSK made strategic changes, replacing the out-of-form Devon Conway with Rasheed at the top.

Rasheed impressed immediately, partnering with Ravindra for a 52-run opening stand in just 4.2 overs. His innings included confident strokes, a stylish flick, and a powerful pull, setting the stage for CSK’s successful chase.

Staying Calm Under Pressure

Ahead of the match, Rasheed admitted to being nervous. In a video shared by IPL, he shared the advice given to him by senior teammates.

“I was very nervous. How should I play? The approach is the same. I have to show my intent. Shivam Bhai and Mahi Bhai said the way things keep your body as calm as possible. Don’t look at the audience. Just react to the ball; that’s it. I want to dedicate this knock to the net bowlers. They bowled so well. They put in a lot of effort for me. That’s why I gave it to them,” Rasheed said.

Domestic Performance and Career Highlights

Rasheed has built a solid reputation in domestic cricket, representing Andhra Pradesh. Before his IPL debut, he featured in 19 First-Class matches, scoring 1204 runs at an average of 46.04.

He has also played 12 List A and 17 T20 matches, accumulating valuable experience across formats.

In the 2024 Ranji Trophy, Rasheed scored a double century (203 runs) against Hyderabad, showcasing his ability to play long innings.

Stepping In During a Crucial Phase

CSK, struggling in IPL 2025 after a streak of five losses, needed a turnaround.

The team made two key changes for the match against LSG, bringing in Rasheed and Jamie Overton in place of R Ashwin and Devon Conway. CSK won the toss and chose to field first.

LSG posted 166 runs in 20 overs, and CSK’s strong start in the chase, led by Rasheed and Ravindra, tilted the game in their favor.

Rasheed’s 27 off 19, which included six boundaries, gave the middle order breathing space to manage the chase comfortably.

“I Play Along the Ground”

Speaking to Sportstar, Rasheed elaborated on his playing style. “My game is to play along the ground. That’s my strong zone. I don’t hit the ball in the air,” he said.

This grounded and tactical approach has helped him find consistency and avoid unnecessary risks—an asset for his team, especially in high-pressure situations.

Rise to Recognition

Rasheed rose to prominence during the T20 World Cup 2022, where he played a key role in India’s title win. He scored 201 runs in four matches, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer for the team.

Since then, Rasheed has continued to develop his game, leading to his acquisition by CSK in the 2025 IPL auction for ₹30 lakh. He has been with the franchise since 2023 and was finally given an opportunity in this campaign.