Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is preparing for the IPL 2025 auction with major retention decisions already in the offing. The franchise is going to retain three of its topper players, namely Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana. These performers are going to be retained by the team and CSK will finally build up next season on the basis of these very players.
With Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has already taken the captaincy and has proved himself one of the best performers for CSK, and the rest of the core team, with Ravindra Jadeja being an all-rounder both bat and ball and Matheesha Pathirana, playing key roles as a foreign player and already having proved himself during his stint will also be retained.
The future of MS Dhoni remains the most pressing talking point. The very famous captain hasn’t confirmed retirement from the IPL as of yet. However, if reports are to be believed, he will be retained in the lowest pay category by CSK if he still wishes to come back for IPL 2025, and this clearly explains the mutual understanding between the player and the franchise. Dhoni played through IPL 2024 although bedridden with injury issues for most of the season. It would more or less be subjective to Dhoni and the retention rules pending by the BCCI.
Therefore, with the auction expected to take place later this year, CSK is finalizing its strategy to maintain competitive edge as well as strengthen their team. Other than retaining the core players, the team will make decisions about other crucial players like Devon Conway and Shivam Dubey as the retention window approaches.
Ravindra Jadeja will again be an integral part of both batting and bowling departments. He remains the most multilateral cricketer and is always a plus on the value meter in crisis situations, thanks to his experience and ability. Like him, Matheesha Pathirana will be an indispensable overseas player with the pace backing up CSK’s bowling. The retention shows their foresight in the long run.
Though MS Dhoni’s future is as uncertain, it still represents the spotlight for fans and the franchise to look at. Should Dhoni play, his retention, however low the pay grade is, has ensured that he will not move on from CSK. His influence, irrespective of the pay grade, will remain great- guiding and mentoring many, be it on or off the pitch.
The CSK, given the IPL 2025 auction will likely take place outside the borders of India, might look forward to the next season with the intention of strengthening its core while further checking avenues to strengthen the squad.
