Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have solidified their core lineup by retaining five key players on the day of the retention deadline. CSK have banked on some very familiar, expected names, including MS Dhoni, who is set to appear for yet another season in yellow. Dhoni, along with Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana, will continue to form the backbone of the CSK squad.
Jadeja and Gaikwad have the highest fee with 18 crores apiece while Pathirana gets 13 crores and Dube 12 crores. As an uncapped retention, Dhoni gets 4 crores.
These strategic retentions are in tune with CSK’s preference for experienced, trusted names, but also includes them banking on the overseas star potential of Sri Lanka’s Pathirana, who became a core part of the side in the last two seasons.
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Here’s a breakdown of the players CSK has chosen to retain and their expected impact on the franchise in IPL 2025.
The heartbeat of CSK, MS Dhoni’s retention reflects his immense value to the franchise, both as a player and a leader. Although he handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024, Dhoni’s role as a guiding force on and off the field remains crucial. At 43, Dhoni has stepped back from an active batting role, facing only 73 balls across 11 innings in the last season. His focus is now on nurturing young talent and providing stability behind the stumps.
Interestingly, Dhoni is set to be retained as an uncapped player. A rule reinstated by the IPL allows players who haven’t represented their country for five years to qualify as uncapped. Dhoni, who last played for India in 2019, fits this category, allowing CSK some strategic budget flexibility. Retaining Dhoni signifies CSK’s trust in his leadership and desire to see him play a mentorship role for as long as he is willing.
As CSK’s current captain, Gaikwad has proven himself as a steady hand with the bat and a promising leader. His retention was all but certain after he took over the reins from Dhoni in 2024. Gaikwad’s ability to anchor the innings and take on responsibility for the team’s batting order makes him indispensable. He will be instrumental in leading CSK’s younger players and ensuring that the team continues to have a reliable opener to set the tone for the innings.
Jadeja remains an all-round powerhouse for CSK. Known for his sharp fielding, effective left-arm spin, and ability to change the course of the game with his batting, Jadeja is a player CSK simply could not afford to lose. His impact in crucial moments has made him an iconic player for the franchise, and his retention solidifies CSK’s strategy of maintaining a seasoned core. Jadeja’s experience and versatility will continue to be essential for CSK’s success in high-stakes games.
Dube’s retention signals CSK’s backing for his middle-order hitting that was crucial to them last year. In the 2024 season, Dube was given opportunities to showcase his hitting ability and even a chance to prove himself as a future Indian team prospect. His all-around abilities provide CSK with the depth and flexibility to adjust according to match situations, making him a valuable player to retain as the team builds for the future.
Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, known for his unique Malinga-like action and ability to bowl fast yorkers in death overs, has been a revelation for CSK. His retention is clearly one driven by his performances and reaffirms the franchise’s belief in his potential to be a key wicket-taker.
Pathirana’s pace and consistency in closing out tight matches are assets that CSK will bank on in the 2025 season. His retention provides the team with a dynamic option in the bowling attack, adding an edge to their bowling lineup.
The five retentions will significantly impact CSK’s auction budget. Retaining these players will likely CSK INR 65 crore out of the INR 120 crore auction purse, leaving CSK with INR 55 crores for additional purchases and one Right-to-Match (RTM) option.
The franchise has other big names out of whom they might pick one to use the RTM card in the auction.
| Retained Players | Price (INR) |
| MS Dhoni | 4 crores |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | 18 crores |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 18 crores |
| Shivam Dube | 12 crores |
| Matheesha Pathirana | 13 crores |
| Total: | 65 crores |
| Auction Purse Left: | 55 crores |
By retaining Dhoni, Gaikwad, Jadeja, Dube, and Pathirana, CSK have primarily re-emphasized their affinity for experienced players. Pathirana is the only overseas retention, and one that is slightly un-CSK in many ways, but his performances have warranted a retention from the franchise.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Retention Live Updates: Tracking Retained and Released Players for All 10 teams
As CSK prepares to add support players in the auction, their retained core will clearly be a big part of their playing XI and it’s likely that we’ll see them looking to fill the big holes in the batting line-up first in the auction. A major surprise was that CSK did not retain Rachin Ravindra, the New Zealand superstar in the making, but it’s very likely that they might be saving the RTM card for him.
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