 "CSK IPL Retention: Chennai Super Kings keep core intact by retaining MS Dhoni, could use RTM for Rachin Ravindra")
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have had a mixed run in the last five years, winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) on two of those occasions and finishing second-from-bottom as many times. The ‘Yellow Army’ appeared set for a third appearance in the playoffs since 2020 earlier this year, only to be denied by fierce rivals Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) with a defeat in their final league match of the season.
As It Happened | IPL Retention: 10 teams announce their list of of retained and released players
Keeping their recent performances in mind, CSK decided to retain Ruturaj Gaikwad , who took over captaincy from MS Dhoni last season, along with all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube and pacer Matheesha Pathirana.
There had been plenty of suspense over Dhoni’s future in the IPL, which was finally cleared on Thursday after ‘Thala’ was retained as an ‘uncapped’ player.
Which players have CSK retained?
Ruturaj Gaikwad (capped) – Rs 18 crore
Ravindra Jadeja (capped) – Rs 18 crore
Matheesha Pathirana (capped, overseas) – Rs 13 crore
Shivam Dube (capped) – Rs 12 crore
MS Dhoni (uncapped) – Rs 4 crore
Purse remaining: Rs 55 crore.
These five retentions will take at least Rs 65 crore from their overall purse of Rs 120 crore, leaving them with one Right-to-Match (RTM) option for the auction.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThought process behind CSK’s retentions
CSK is one franchise that is known to keep their core intact in mega auctions. That is the reason why they have decided to spend more than half of their auction budget for retaining five of the key players.
Dhoni, 43, who handed over the CSK captaincy to Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024, played a limited role with the bat but continued as their primary wicketkeeper. His role this season will remain the same, much to the delight of his massive fanbase. Dhoni is synonymous with this franchise and was never expected to be released.
The Pack of Pride! 🦁
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) October 31, 2024
🌟 Rutu
⚡ Pathirana
🧨 Dube
⚔️ Thalapathy
🚁 Thala #UngalAnbuden #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/wltTZHqUQr
Jadeja is another senior pro in the team. Although his performances with both bat and ball have dipped significantly in recent years, the team management still seems to be banking on their old fox.
Gaikwad, of course, is the skipper and is learning the tricks of captaincy from MSD and Shivam Dube with an IPL strike-rate of 146.67 is the most premier power-hitter in this team.
Read | IPL Retention: SRH's Klaasen, RCB's Kohli among top retentions; Rahul, Iyer and Pant released
Sri Lankan slingy fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has been their best bowling option in recent years, taking 34 scalps in 20 appearances with an impressive economy rate of 7.87 since his debut in 2022.
Possible auction strategy
CSK’s retention strategy underscores their focus on maintaining team cohesion by building around a core group of experienced players. With a remaining purse of INR 55 crore, their spending power is limited, but they will aim to retain flexibility for key additions during the auction. Like KKR, CSK is likely to attempt bringing back as many of their former players as possible.
One player they are expected to target aggressively is Rachin Ravindra, given his impressive recent form and prior association with the franchise. They may even use their lone Right-to-Match (RTM) card on the New Zealand all-rounder. Additionally, Faf du Plessis, released by Royal Challengers Bangalore, could be a strong candidate for a reunion.
There are also rumours linking CSK with Rishabh Pant, though acquiring him may prove difficult given their financial constraints. The franchise will also need a backup wicketkeeper for Dhoni, ideally an Indian option. In this regard, Sameer Rizvi, part of last season’s squad, along with Jitesh Sharma or Wriddhiman Saha, may come into consideration.
On the bowling front, Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, Mustafizur Rahman, Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande are expected to remain on their radar, alongside some new faces from both India and overseas.
Players CSK are likely to target in the auction
All-rounders: Rachin Ravindra, Moeen Ali, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Venkatesh Iyer
Wicketkeeper: Sameer Rizvi, Jitesh Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha
Batters: Ajinkya Rahane, Faf Du Plessis, Devon Conway, Ashutosh Sharma, Nehal Wadhera
Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, Shardul Thakur, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj
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