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As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction looms, franchises are grappling with the pressure to finalize their retention lists. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to confirm how many players each team can retain, leaving the cricketing fans as well as the teams in anticipation of an official announcement.
The MS Dhoni factor: CSK’s iconic player
Among the teams, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are particularly focused on understanding the retention policy, as it could significantly influence the future of their legendary captain, MS Dhoni, under whom the franchise witnessed their golden time that included five trophies. According to recent reports by RevSportz, CSK have curated a shortlist of five players they plan to retain, with Dhoni being their top priority.
CSK’s performance in 2024: A season to forget under Ruturaj Gaikwad
CSK’s 2024 campaign ended on a disappointing note, with a narrow exit from the playoffs after a heart-wrenching loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This marked the third instance in 15 seasons that CSK failed to reach the top four. Their struggles were compounded by injuries to key players, including bowlers like Matheesha Pathirana and the pre-season loss of Devon Conway. Despite retaining core players and making strategic additions during the auction, the team’s injury woes severely impacted their overall performance.
Also READ: Chennai Super Kings: 3 key players CSK can release ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction
Retention list for IPL 2024: 5 players identified by Chennai Super Kings
Reports indicate that CSK is targeting the following players for retention:
- MS Dhoni – The franchise’s heartbeat and guiding force.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad – Current captain and pivotal player for future success.
- Ravindra Jadeja – An indispensable all-rounder who balances both batting and bowling.
- Shivam Dube – A versatile asset capable of impactful performances.
- Matheesha Pathirana – An emerging talent, showcasing potential as a frontline bowler.
Interestingly, the list does not include notable names like Deepak Chahar, Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Theekshana, highlighting CSK’s willingness to take calculated risks as they look to rejuvenate their squad.
Awaiting clarity from the BCCI
With Dhoni potentially approaching his final season in 2025, CSK’s decisions in this auction are pivotal. The franchise has previously reportedly lobbied for the reinstatement of a rule that would allow them to retain retired players in the uncapped category. This rule, active from 2008 to 2021, permitted teams to classify players who had been retired for over five years as uncapped, which could work in Dhoni’s favor since he stepped away from international cricket in 2019.
CSK’s management is on edge as they await the BCCI’s confirmation regarding retention rules. A favorable decision could provide a significant strategic advantage, allowing them to retain Dhoni at a reduced cost while still keeping a competitive squad. With Dhoni determined to make a strong impact in what could be his final season, the franchise’s future largely hinges on the BCCI’s ultimate call on retention guidelines.
