3 Players CSK should retain before the IPL 2025 mega auction

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) narrowly missed the playoffs after finishing fifth in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. In the IPL 2025 season, the five-time champions will aim to recover and add another title to their collection.

For that, they have to make some big decisions as the retention policy for the mega auction has been announced. An enormous auction will take place in advance of the 18th IPL season. With retention and the Right To Match (RTM) option, six players can be kept.

Let’s look at the three players whom CSK should retain ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

1. MS Dhoni

With five IPL championships under his belt, MS Dhoni is the face of CSK and has been a pillar of the team. There is a strong belief that 43-year-old Dhoni will play one more season, since the Indian Premier League (IPL) confirmed that players who haven't played international cricket for the past five years can be retained as uncapped players.

This implies that Dhoni, who last competed for India in 2019, can be signed for a mere INR 4 crores, freeing up funds for the team. Last season, Dhoni scored 161 runs off only 73 balls, managing a strike rate of 220.

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Since 2021, Ruturaj Gaikwad, the captain of CSK, has been among the league's top batters. In 65 innings, he has scored 2380 runs at an average of 41.75. He was the top scorer for the franchise in the IPL 2024 and won the Orange Cap in 2021.

In IPL 2024, Gaikwad amassed 583 runs in 14 innings at an average of 53 and a strike rate of 141.16. Gaikwad is regarded as the franchise's future face and provides stability at the top. He is expected to be retained in the highest bracket.

3. Matheesha Pathirana

Dhoni and CSK should be credited significantly for the rise and success of young Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana. After developing him over the previous three seasons, the team is probably going to keep the quick-witted speedster.

Pathirana has established himself as CSK's go-to seamer and has shown promise in the closing overs. Overall, in 20 games, he has claimed 34 wickets at an economy rate of 7.87.

Cover Credits - IPL Official