Who is Shaik Rasheed? The 20Year Old CSK Sensation Making Waves in IPL 2025

IPL 2025 : When Mahendra Singh Dhoni backs a player, magic happens. Time and again, the legendary captain has spotted raw talent and polished it into brilliance. The latest gem to emerge under his guidance is Shaik Rasheed, a 20-year-old batting prodigy who stunned the cricket world with his fearless debut for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025.

A lovely message from the Young Talent of CSK, Shaik Rasheed 💛

– The boy from Guntur winning Yellow heart of cricket fans. pic.twitter.com/rt8x7eeRcQ

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 15, 2025

A Record-Breaking Debut

Rasheed etched his name in IPL history by becoming the youngest opener ever for CSK at just 20 years and 202 days old, breaking Sam Curran’s previous record (22 years, 132 days). Though his innings was brief19 balls, 6 fours, and a strike rate of 157 his audacious stroke play left commentators and fans in awe. Facing world class bowlers like Avesh Khan and Shardul Thakur, he smashed boundaries with the confidence of a seasoned player, not a debutant. With every crisp cover drive and bold pull shot, Rasheed sent a message: I’m not here to participate. I’m here to make a mark

Eric on Shaik Rasheed ❤️

“His work ethic and the nets, he’s smiling, been, he obviously hasn’t played for a few years and he’s never stopped working, never stopped smiling, never stopped being a positive guy in the room” pic.twitter.com/5ztvvYzZQt

— yash (@yxshh27) April 15, 2025

The Rise of Shaik Rasheed

Hailing from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, Rasheed’s journey to the IPL is a story of grit and sacrifice. His father, a humble man, quit his job twice to support his son’s cricket dreams, traveling long distances for training. The hard work paid off when Rasheed:

Led India as vice-captain in the 2022 U19 World Cup, scoring a match-winning 94 against Australia in the semifinals.

Dominated the 2023-24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, amassing 240 runs at a strike rate of 145, becoming Andhra Pradesh’s top scorer.

Earned a ₹20 lakh IPL contract with CSK in 2025, where Dhoni’s trust propelled him to open the batting.

Why Dhoni’s Faith Matters

Dhoni’s mentorship has a Midas touch players like Jadeja, Ruturaj, and now Rasheed thrive under his calm leadership. Against Lucknow Super Giants, Rasheed’s fearless start helped CSK break a 5-match losing streak, proving why Dhoni “backs instinct over reputation.”

What’s Next for Rasheed

At just age of 20, Rasheed’s composure hints at a future India star. With exposure to IPL’s elite players and Dhoni’s guidance, his growth could be exponential. As one commentator put it:“When you bat like this at 20, the world is yours to conquer.”

Cricket’s newest sensation isn’t just a flash in the pan. Shaik Rasheed’s story of family sacrifice, U19 glory, and a dream IPL debut is only the first chapter. If Dhoni’s track record is any indication, India may have found its next big batting star