3 best IPL 2025 retention combinations for CSK ft. "uncapped" MS Dhoni
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are a franchise known for being overly simple with their retention policy in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Men in Yellow have steadfastly backed their players through thick and thin, retaining most of their core over the years.
The IPL 2025 is likely to be no different. Although the increased price tags might convince a few franchises to enter the auction with a big kitty and not many players on the roster, a corresponding increase in the auction purse might serve as a leveler.
The Super Kings, who had an injury-hit campaign in 2024, have no reason to hit the panic button just yet despite missing out on the playoffs. And the IPL governing council's kind tweaking of the rules means that we might see a big name return for one more hurrah.
On that note, here are the three best IPL 2025 retention combinations for CSK.
#3 Retain the entire core - Gaikwad (18) + Jadeja (18) + Pathirana (14) + Dube (14) + Rachin (11) + Dhoni (4)
It wouldn't be a surprise if CSK decided to use all six of their retention slots and entered the auction with a depleted purse and no RTM cards. As mentioned earlier, the franchise loves holding on to its trusted players at any cost.
Thinking about it further, it might not be the worst idea either. Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube and Matheesha Pathirana will go for big money at the auction, and the Super Kings might not be able to buy them back. Rachin Ravindra, meanwhile, is one of the most exciting talents in world cricket.
The above prices might not be an accurate reflection of the actual value of these players, but the IPL auction is a fickle, unpredictable setting. And CSK might not want to take many risks ahead of the high-profile event.
Retaining Dhoni at ₹4 crore is, of course, a no-brainer. An excellent hitter of pace who adds immeasurable value on and off the field, the former skipper is worth his weight in gold (or yellow).
#2 Get bold with it - Gaikwad (18) + Pathirana (14) + Dhoni (4) + Rizvi (4)
Is the current version of Ravindra Jadeja worth ₹18 crore? He's a highly limited batter with clear issues against spin and hasn't justified a high position in the batting order over the last few overs. The left-arm spinner's bowling has been mostly consistent, but he still can't be trusted to bowl four overs on a flat track.
The same question can be asked of Dube at ₹14 crore and Ravindra at ₹11 crore. Both left-handers are useful players, but whether they warrant such big price tags is debatable. So CSK could instead go with a bold strategy.
Letting their captain, Gaikwad, into the auction pool doesn't seem like a smart strategy. The Super Kings could thus retain him, along with an indispensable death bowler in Pathirana. Using two uncapped slots on Dhoni and the talented Sameer Rizvi might also be wise.
However, CSK will be reluctant to do this, given the message it might send Jadeja and Co. It remains to be seen if they are willing to risk the wrath of one or more of their stars to assemble a better team.
#1 Retain just the essentials - Jadeja (18) + Gaikwad (14) + Pathirana (11) + Dhoni (4)
This seems like the most balanced, sensible approach CSK could take. Jadeja, Gaikwad and Pathirana are three players who tick off a number of boxes, while Dhoni is an obvious retention choice as well.
Chennai will go into the auction with two RTM cards which they can use on the likes of Dube, Ravindra, Tushar Deshpande, Sameer Rizvi and Maheesh Theekshana. They will also have enough in their purse to go all-out for one or two of their prime targets.
This would keep the retained players happy, build a decent core before the auction, and keep enough in the tank for the event itself.