Unfriendly Podcast Ep 10: Who will CSK retain? Key players for IPL 2025 Mega Auction

As the highly anticipated IPL 2025 approaches, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are close to finalising their picks. The focus is on retaining key players before IPL 2025 Mega Auction while making calculated bets that could define their campaign. To make it clear, every franchise can retain up to 6 players including an uncapped player. The fewer the number of retentions, the more RTM (right-to-match) cards they will have at the auction. Let’s take a closer look at CSK’s IPL 2025 retention strategy.

Probable CSK Retention List

Player	Role
Ruturaj Gaikwad	Opening Batsman
Ravindra Jadeja	All-rounder
Devon Conway	Wicketkeeper/ Opening batsman
Rachin Ravindra	All-rounder
MS Dhoni (Uncapped)	Wicketkeeper/Leader

Ruturaj Gaikwad: Why Gaikwad Matters

Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK’s prolific opener and the new captain, has been a cornerstone of their batting unit. Known for his elegant stroke play and match-winning performances, Gaikwad will be the top pick in CSK retention list. His consistency at the top is seen as vital for CSK’s quest to reclaim the IPL title.

• Batting Brilliance: Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 583 runs in IPL 2024 at an average of 53.00 and a strike rate of 141.16. With an average of over 500 runs each season, Gaikwad has proven indispensable.
• Team Synergy: His understanding of top-order partners enhances CSK’s batting coherence. He stitched together one of the best opening stands in IPL with Devon Conway. In Conway’s absence, it was Rachin Ravindra.
• Captaincy: Ruturaj Gaikwad is the new captain of CSK. It’s no mean task for someone at CSK as he replaced MS Dhoni. While CSK did not reach the playoffs in IPL 2024, the team management understands that CSK are in a transition. Considering Gaikwad is young and has Dhoni’s backing, he is certainly going to be the top pick at Rs 18 Cr.

Ravindra Jadeja: 3-D Player

Retaining Ravindra Jadeja is a strategic decision rooted in his all-round capabilities. As a player who can change the dynamics with bat, ball, and fielding, Jadeja is vital to CSK’s balance. While he hasn’t had the same impact he had two seasons ago, Jadeja is still crucial. He will be in CSK retention list before IPL 2025 Auction.

• Crucial overs and Runs: Contributing in clutch moments makes him a match-winner. With 267 runs at a strike rate of 142.78 and 8 wickets at a 7.85 economy rate, Jadeja contributes immensely.
• Fielding Excellence: His agility on the field adds an extra edge, making him a complete package.

MS Dhoni: The Guiding Force

Though MS Dhoni’s role might be minimized on the field, his retention is inevitable. It’s unclear whether Dhoni will play or call it quits but if he makes himself available, Chennai Super Kings will retain him without a doubt. He is still the guiding force whom Gaikwad needs. His strategic acumen and experience are invaluable assets to CSK, guiding young talents and maintaining the team ethos. With BCCI reintroducing the new uncapped rule, retaining Dhoni will be easy.

• Captaincy Experience: Having led CSK to five IPL titles, his presence boosts morale and strategy.
• Mentorship: Dhoni’s ability to nurture emerging players ensures sustained performance.

Rachin Ravindra: New entrant

It won’t be a surprise if CSK opt for uncapped Rachin Ravindra over an established Shivam Dube. With all-round capabilities and his recent success in India in Test, he could be in CSK retention list as the CSK management could retain him as part of their plan to nurture promising talent.

• Potential Upside: Ravindra’s skillset has significant growth potential, making him a worthwhile gamble.
• Long-term Investment: By focusing on young talent, CSK aims to build enduring success.