The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), known for their remarkable presence in the Indian Premier League (IPL), have officially unveiled their roster of retained players in preparation for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. This announcement brings a mix of expected retentions and surprising releases, sparking speculation and discussions among cricket enthusiasts and analysts.
As the cornerstone of the team, MS Dhoni remains an integral part of the CSK lineup. The veteran cricket legend and captain of the five-time IPL champions is set to continue his association with the team, being retained as an uncapped player with a notable compensation of Rs 4 crore. Dhoni’s retention signifies both a strategic move by CSK and an emotional nod to the loyalty and legacy he represents.
Adding to the formidable lineup, Ravindra Jadeja emerges as CSK’s top retention, commanding Rs 18 crore for his continued services. Jadeja’s all-around capabilities and leadership potential make him a pivotal figure in the squad’s future aspirations. Given his valuable contributions over previous seasons, his inclusion was widely anticipated and welcomed by fans and team management alike.
In line with CSK’s strategy for balance and strength, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has also been retained. Gaikwad, whose batting prowess and leadership skills have been instrumental in CSK’s previous campaigns, is set to receive Rs 18 crore. Alongside him, the team has retained Shivam Dube with a contract worth Rs 12 crore, reinforcing their middle-order batting strength and strategic depth.
Matheesha Pathirana’s retention, valued at Rs 13 crore, completes this select roster of players. Pathirana’s consistent performance as a bowler, marked by precise yorkers and timely wickets, has made him a valuable asset to the team. His growing prowess and reliability certainly justify his place in the squad as they look toward the upcoming season.
CSK’s retention strategy, which includes these five key players, has left them with only one Right to Match (RTM) option for the highly anticipated mega auction.
. The franchise will enter the auction phase with a budget of Rs 65 crore, aiming to build a competitive team for the next IPL cycle.
Interestingly, in their list of released players, one name that stands out is Rachin Ravindra. Despite some impressive performances in recent series and his potential shown in the last season, the franchise has opted to let him go. This decision hints at potential strategies for reshaping their team dynamics or perhaps a tactical use of the RTM card during the auction.
Other surprising releases include Devon Conway, who had an unfortunate gap in participation owing to injuries in 2024, and promising talent Sameer Rizwi, whose future potential is considerable. Tushar Deshpande, known for his contributions in previous cycles, joins them on the released list as well. The fate of these players remains to be seen, with possibilities of them being re-acquired during the mega auction should CSK choose to exercise their remaining RTM option.
The complete list of released players also includes experienced figures and emerging talents: Ajinkya Rahane, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, and Moeen Ali, to name a few. Each of these players has made noteworthy contributions over the years. Yet, CSK’s decision underscores a commitment to refreshing their squad and possibly integrating new talents to bolsters their strength in IPL 2025.
With the retention announcements finalized, the chessboard is set for CSK to strategize and execute their plans in the IPL 2025 mega auction. The management’s choices reflect a combination of retaining experience while being open to renewing the squad dynamics, aiming to sustain and enhance their competitive edge in the league.
As the IPL season approaches, all eyes will be on how these moves translate into on-field performance. The anticipation of CSK fans will be palpable, with hopes that their beloved franchise will continue to be a force to reckon with, rallying for yet another successful campaign in the vibrant history of the IPL.
