Author Photo
Ruturaj Gaikwad CSK IPL 2024
(BCCI, Sportzpics)

The countdown to the IPL 2025 mega auction has begun, and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are one of the teams under the spotlight.

With the IPL Governing Council announcing new retention rules, including the ability to retain up to six players, CSK is likely to stick to its strategy of building a strong core.

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The newly introduced ‘uncapped player’ rule will allow them to retain a veteran MS Dhoni for a lower price.Let’s take a look at the key players CSK might hold on to as the mega auction approaches.

CSK Potential Retention List

  • 1st Retention: ₹18 crore – Ravindra Jadeja

  • 2nd Retention: ₹14 crore – Ruturaj Gaikwad

  • 3rd Retention: ₹11 crore – Shivam Dube

  • 4th Retention: ₹4 crore – MS Dhoni (Uncapped)With the ‘uncapped player’ rule in play, Dhoni could return for a final season as the team’s player.

While the franchise may explore retaining additional players, it seems unlikely that they will allocate another ₹18 crore for a further retention.

MORE: When is the IPL retention deadline? Last date for teams to submit player list ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction

Instead, focusing on these three players along with Dhoni as an uncapped option appears to be a strategic move for CSK.

CSK IPL 2025 auction news and rumours

Fans and analysts are buzzing with excitement over which players CSK might retain and whom they could potentially target during the auction. 

With discussions revolving around Dhoni’s future, here’s a look at what fans and experts are saying.

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CSK to use RTM on Matheesha Pathirana and risk him at the auction?

Pathirana, who is one of the rare overseas fast bowling talents in the league might be a tempting option to retain for CSK, however, as the fourth retained player, they will have to shell out 18 Cr.

Therefore, CSK might let Pathirana into the auction and look to use an RTM to get him back within 18 Cr.

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja choices for 18 Cr, 14 Cr slabs

As an experienced and legendary India player, CSK might opt to keep Jadeja at the highest slab of 18 Cr over captain Gaikwad.

It is unlikely that Gaikwad will launch a protest at such a move.

Rishabh Pant to CSK - Dhoni successor?

Rishabh Pant was earlier linked with a move to CSK as he was being considered as a replacement to CSK. However, the rumours soon died off as sources close to Delhi Capitals made it clear that Pant remains an integral part of their squad.

CSK likely to retain MS Dhoni as uncapped player

With the uncapped rule introduced for the IPL 2025 mega auction, CSK are likely to retain the services of their former skipper and legend MS Dhoni.

Former CSK champion and bowling Dwayne Bravo joins KKR as mentor

The franchise dealt a major blow as their former player and coach Dwayne Bravo left the team to join KKR as their mentor. 

CSK to use 'uncapped player' retention to keep MS Dhoni

CSK CEO recently hinted, while speaking to Times of India, that the franchise might not use the 'uncapped player' option to retain MS Dhoni for IPL 2025. 

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Author(s)
Saurav Goyal Photo

Saurav Goyal is a content producer for The Sporting News’ India edition.