Predicting 6 players CSK could retain for IPL 2025 ft. MS Dhoni & Ravindra Jadeja
Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have a healthy headache in nailing their retentions ahead of the 2025 auction. With the rules regarding the retentions and retention slabs laid out by the IPL, the franchises have until October 31 to finalize their retentions.
The usually predictable CSK, renowned for retaining their core players, may head in a slightly different direction this time for a few reasons, none more than the new retention slab that makes franchises have to shell out ₹18 and ₹14 crores for their fourth and fifth retentions should they go that far.
The first three retention prices of ₹18, 14, and 11 crores makes it fairly obvious that most franchises with a settled core will use three retentions and leave the rest to the Right-To-Match (RTM) option. Also worth remembering that under the maximum of six retentions/RTMs available to the franchises is the possibility of retaining two uncapped players for ₹4 crore.
How they use that and other retentions is worth diving into as we predict the six players who will likely be considered for retention in the CSK setup for IPL 2025.
#1 MS Dhoni
Let's get the obvious one out of the way - if MS Dhoni is available to play in the IPL for the next year or further, CSK will undoubtedly retain him. The franchise was handed a massive positive when the governing body brought back the 'Uncapped Rule' which states that any player who has not played for India in the past five years will be considered uncapped.
Considering Dhoni played his last for India in 2019, the 43-year-old will come under this umbrella, meaning CSK will have to shell out only ₹4 crores to retain his services.
While his running between the wickets and overall fitness may not be at peak level, Dhoni showed no signs of slowing down in front of the wicket. The champion wicket-keeper batter smashed 161 runs at a strike rate of over 220 with 13 maximums in 14 outings.
It also cannot be undermined how valuable Dhoni could be for Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was appointed captain on the eve of the 2024 IPL season. As CSK welcomes new players in the auction and Gaikwad continues to evolve in the job, the importance of Dhoni's presence to help the side maximize their full potential and bounce back from a disappointing last season cannot be emphasized by mere numbers.
#2 Ruturaj Gaikwad
Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad will almost certainly be CSK's first capped player retained at a price of ₹18 crores.
At 27, Gaikwad is at the peak of his career and has been arguably the franchise's most valuable player over the past four years. Despite occasionally struggling as a captain, the stylish right-hander was at his best with the willow, scoring 583 runs at an average of 53 and a strike rate of 141.16.
Having scored over 500 runs in three of the last four IPL seasons and playing a massive role in CSK's title runs in 2021 and 2023, skipper Gaikwad is worth every penny of his retention price.
#3 Ravindra Jadeja
If MS Dhoni has been CSK's most valuable player in franchise history, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja must be second or top three at worst.
While his form in the T20 format has been iffy in recent times, his all-round package as a reliable left-arm spinner and a handy finisher cannot be denied. Even in a relatively down year, Jadeja scored 267 runs at an average of 44.50 and a strike rate of 142.78, while picking up eight wickets at an economy of under 7.85.
Add to this his fielding prowess and long-time experience with CSK, and Jadeja's retention as No.2 in the capped-player list behind Gaikwad for ₹14 crores is a no-brainer.
#4 Shivam Dube
![Dube's six-hitting in the middle overs has been central to several CSK wins [Credit: Getty]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/47dd7-17279493038851-1920.jpg)
The big-hitting Shivam 'Sixer' Dube has been CSK's best middle-order batter over the past three IPL seasons.
After a 418-run 2023 IPL season at a strike rate of 158.33 that helped CSK win their fifth title, Dube had another impressive run in IPL 2024. The southpaw finished with 396 runs at an average of 36 and a strike rate of 162.29, including an incredible 28 maximums.
Dube's ability to dismantle spinners out of the attack with his long levers has been central to CSK's batting plans over the last two seasons. Add to it his confidence of being a key cog in India's 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, and Dube could unlock an even higher level in the 2025 IPL season.
Hence, CSK should have no thought in marking Dube as their No.1 choice for the third capped-player retention at ₹11 crores.
#5 Matheesha Pathirana
Death specialist Matheesha Pathirana will undoubtedly be CSK's No.1 overseas player in consideration for retention.
Should the franchise feel satisfied with the Indian batting core of Gaikwad, Jadeja, and Dhoni, they could use the third capped retention price of ₹11 crores for Pathirana instead of Dube.
The Sri Lankan youngster became CSK's most bankable pace-bowling option, helping the franchise to the title in 2023 with 19 wickets at an average of under 20. Pathirana was marred by fitness and availability issues in IPL 2024 but picked up 13 wickets in six matches at a stunning average of 13 and an economy of 7.68.
Considering the potential lack of excellent death bowlers in the auction, CSK could try to acquire Pathirana's services through retention instead of risking the possibility of missing out on him in the auction even with the RTM option.
#6 Simarjeet Singh
As much of a long shot as this may sound, with several unknown players going for over ₹5-6 crores in the auction, CSK could consider using their second Uncapped-Player option on right-arm pacer Simarjeet Singh for ₹4 crores.
Despite playing only five matches in IPL 2024, the 26-year-old showed immense promise and skill level. Simarjeet picked up 5 wickets at an average of under 25, including a Player of the Match performance of 3/26 in CSK's penultimate match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Two games earlier, he also chipped in with figures of 2/16 in four overs against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in CSK's 28-run victory.
Renowned for their ability to invest in youngsters that eventually become stars, CSK could do the same with Simarjeet and hope for history to repeat itself.