The Chennai Super Kings, CSK have always been very protective of their squad, as they have never been looking to only bring in new players but retain the likes of their best players who have been serving them over the years.
The 5-times IPL champions will look to retain their most highly anticipated player since the first edition of the IPL, MS Dhoni as an uncapped player. The only likely uncapped retention would include several other key players in the franchise.
The total amount of the retained players for CSK would at least amount to INR 65 crore, which will be deducted from their purse amount of INR 120 crore. If CSK go on to retain the likes of all five players, then they will just be left with one RTM option.
The new retention rules have announced the likes of 6-player retention, of which only some might be retained and the rest might be taken in the auction owing to their RTM cards. IPL’s new retention rules set the players to be retained at INR 18 crores, 14 crores, 11 crores, 18 crores, and 14 crores, respectively. While for an uncapped player, a retention amount of INR 4 crore has been kept assured.
After, MS Dhoni handed the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad last season in 2024, as the wicketkeeper batter was often seen coming at no. 8 or no. 9 and smashing some vital runs for the team. Earlier this week, when Dhoni revealed about enjoying his days until he plays, he indicated that he will be part of the IPL for at least a few seasons more.
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The other CSK retentions, as reported by ESPNcricinfo, would include the likes of skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been their lead run scorer. While the other two include veteran all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube for the CSK middle order.
CSK’s only overseas retention lies in the Sri Lankan rising talent, Mateesha Pathirana, who has been an asset to the CSK side, especially in their death overs. Pathirana has often drawn comparisons with the likes of world-famous T20 striker Lasith Malinga, who is also known for his yorker-producing ability during the death overs.
