Analysis and review of 2018 IPL retentions
This year's IPL retention was a mix of both predictable and surprising. Teams that have been successful over the years tried to retain the core of their side while others looked to rebuild from scratch.
Some big names like Gautam Gambhir, Chris Gayle, and Harbhajan Singh were sent into the auction pool and the biggest surprise came in the form of Sarfaraz Khan, who was retained by RCB.
On that note, here's a look at the players retained by each franchise and what that means going into the auction:
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Retention Strategy
CSK's management wanted to retain the core that was with them in 2015 before their suspension. MS Dhoni's retention was obvious. R Ashwin might feel a bit hard done by after his association with the team for so long ended. R Jadeja and S Raina were expected to be retained by the franchise.
Retention
MS Dhoni
"Thala is back!" read every poster in Chennai. Such has been the bond between the former Indian captain and the city. The management made it clear way before the retention deadline that they would go all out for Dhoni even if he went into the auction pool.
Approx. value (in Auction): 12 Cr. to 15 Cr.
Retained: 15 Cr.
Suresh Raina
The highest run-scorer in IPL history was expected to be retained by the franchise. He has played a pivotal role in Chennai's dominance over the years.
Approx. Value (in Auction): 6.5 Cr. to 10 Cr.
Retained: 11 Cr.
Ravindra Jadeja
A left-arm off-spinner with the ability to deliver four useful overs and provide lower-order runs will always be in demand. Add to that the experience that Jadeja possesses and you have a match winner.
Approx. Value: 5 Cr. To 8 Cr.
Retained: 7 Cr.