3 top players that might have to be released by CSK ahead of IPL 2025 ft. Shivam Dube
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) don't like releasing players. If it was up to them, they'd stick with virtually the same squad over various editions of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
However, the 2025 mega-auction is fast approaching, and the Super Kings have only six retention slots. One of those is likely to be used on the "uncapped" MS Dhoni, with the IPL governing council tweaking the rules ahead of the upcoming edition.
Chennai have plenty of talent in their ranks and face some tough decisions when it comes to their retentions. On that note, here are three top players that might have to be released by CSK ahead of IPL 2025.
#3 Shivam Dube
The second half of Shivam Dube's IPL 2024 campaign didn't go to plan. The big-hitting batter struggled against both pace and spin, with his poor form culminating in a disappointing display against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru that saw the Men in Yellow eliminated from playoff contention.
However, over the last three years, Dube has been one of CSK's most important players. As their main spin-hitter in the middle order, the tall left-hander has helped mitigate the weaknesses of players like Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja while ensuring enough momentum through the middle overs.
Without many retention slots, though, it's hard to see CSK keeping hold of Dube, who doesn't offer much with the ball and hasn't improved his pace game at a fast enough rate. The likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Matheesha Pathirana are bound to be preferred ahead of him.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see CSK bidding for Dube at the auction, but retaining him might not be an option.
#2 Tushar Deshpande
Picked at his base price of ₹20 lakh at the IPL 2022 auction, Tushar Deshpande has been a shrewd investment by the Chennai Super Kings. The fast bowler has picked up 38 wickets over the last two seasons, taking up important roles in the powerplay and at the death.
Indian fast bowlers who can clock 140 kph and bowl across phases are hard to come by. But it's important to note that Deshpande is now a capped player, having made his debut against Zimbabwe earlier this year. CSK might not be willing to shell out ₹11 crore or more for his services, and even if they are, they would likely have others who are higher in the retention pecking order.
#1 Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra fell out of the CSK playing XII midway through IPL 2024 before returning to the fray. The Kiwi was far from his best in the tournament - he was often dismissed early and wasn't required to play a big role with the ball.
However, Ravindra is an exciting T20 package who is bound to become one of the best players in the world in the near future. He's adept at countering both pace and spin, his bowling is handy, and he's an excellent fielder. The all-rounder also has a New Zealand connect with the Super Kings and has been training in the team's facilities during the off-season.
Again, it's hard to see how CSK will keep hold of Ravindra at these price tags and with the other players in the mix. It would be a no-brainer to come back for him at the auction, but retention might not be feasible.