Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have a tough decision to make. The deadline for IPL 2025 retention ends later today, and CSK are still caught in two minds. They aren’t sure whether they hand Ravindra Jadeja a direct retention or wait to use an RTM (Right to Match) card for him. They are caught in two minds because of MS Dhoni.
Pant, Dhoni’s perfect replacement for CSK
You see, at some point, Dhoni will retire. Whether it’s this year, the next, or the one after that, no one knows. But, when that happens, not only would they need a wicketkeeper who can match Dhoni but also someone who will carry the team. As good as Ruturaj Gaikwad is, the CSK management might think someone like Rishabh Pant is better suited to be the franchise’s face.
Rumours have been swirling around for a while that Pant could join CSK and recent reports also suggest that the southpaw won’t be retained by the Delhi Capitals (DC). According to the Indian Express, CSK are willing to set aside as much as Rs 20 crore for Pant. But the issue is, they aren’t sure whether he’ll go under the hammer.
Loyalty test
If it’s confirmed that Pant will indeed go to the auction table, CSK might try and get Jadeja back using an RTM card. In that case, they might retain just 4 players and keep two RTMs for the IPL mega auction. But they could try and do both. Jadeja’s been playing at the Chepauk Stadium since 2012 (excluding 2 years of ban on CSK). He’s loyal to the franchise, and the faith might be repaid.
There could be a way, by which CSK retains him and still goes for Pant at the auction. However, retaining Jadeja will probably cost them somewhere between Rs 14 and 18 crore. It’s still unsure whether they are willing to take that risk and not get Pant, Dhoni’s successor at CSK.
