IPL Auction 2025: Possible player retentions by Chennai Super Kings

Under the new player retention rules announced by the Indian Premier League, each franchise can retain a maximum of six players, using a combination of direct retention and ‘Right to Match' option. Interestingly, there is no bar on the number of overseas players being retained, this time around.  Also, a maximum of five capped and two uncapped players can be retained by each franchise. The purse has now been increased by 20 crores and each franchise has a total of INR 120 crore in the purse to make their complete squad. 

The IPL Governing Council has set 31st October as the deadline to finalize their retention. For those of you who are unaware, the IPL has also brought back a rule, which they had d iscarded in 2021. The Indian players, who have retired from international cricket five years before the relevant season, will be considered as uncapped players. This comes as a great boost for CSK as they will have the option to pick MS Dhoni as an uncapped player. MS Dhoni retired from international cricket on 15th August 2019. 

Among all the teams, there is no denying that fans are highly interested in knowing which players CSK would be looking to retain. To throw further light on that, in this article, we have compiled a list of five players who can be retained by the Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2024 Mega Auction: 

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad -18 crore 

There should be no doubt on who will be CSK’s first pick in the retention list. Ruturaj Gaikwad showed immense promise in his leadership skills in his debut season as captain last year. CSK’s journey ended with a heart-breaking defeat against RCB but the pundits were mighty impressed with how Gaikwad led the side. 

The talented opener seems to be a level-headed captain, who can build on the legacy left by MS Dhoni. Ruturaj Gaikwad is, currently, the fourth-highest run-getter for CSK in the Indian Premier League. He has managed to score 2380 runs in 66 matches at an average of 41.75. 

2. Ravindra Jadeja- 14 crore 

For the second retention, CSK will look to go for Ravindra Jadeja. The all-rounder has made an immense contribution to the franchise’ success in the tournament. His ability to contribute in all three facets of the games makes him a hot property in the shortest format. CSK isn’t going to let him go. He might be 35-year-old right now but the kind of fitness levels he possesses, he is going to offer his services for many years to come. 

3. Shivam Dube -11 crores

Since making his debut for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, Shivam Dube’s career has skyrocketed. CSK gave him the position as per his strength and he showed the world what he can do with the bat in hand. Dubey has made outstanding returns for CSK in the last couple of years and CSK would want to retain him ahead of the next season. He could well be their third retention in the squad. 

4. MS Dhoni- 4 crores 

There has been a lot of debate going around whether CSK should retain MS Dhoni or the veteran skipper should retire from the cash-rich league. Ideally, everything depends on what Dhoni wants. CSK wouldn’t want him to retire and thus, there could well be a chance that he would be picked in the uncapped category. 

Reports have suggested that Dhoni has no desire to pick in the first three retentions as this would take a lot of money out of their purse besides letting go of one of their crucial players. If CSK’s legendary skipper wants to play the next season, he could well be picked as an uncapped player for a prize of INR 4 crore. 

5. Rachin Ravindra - 18 crore 

For the fourth retention, the franchise has to spend money worth INR 18 crore. They might go for someone like Rachin Ravindra, although he failed to turn up with impressive performances last season. He scored 222 runs in 10 matches at an average of 22.20. 

Ravindra has shown that he can perform well in the Indian pitches and would be highly in demand. It shouldn’t come as a surprise if CSK went on to pick him as the fourth retention.