Some big changes are bound to happen ahead of a fresh cycle, and CSK must be prudent with their retentions and releases.
The five-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had a strong squad in the previous cycle, with several match-winners. However, they couldn’t perform according to the expectations, even if they won the title in 2023.
They failed to qualify twice in three editions and were nowhere close to the lofty standards set by themselves. Generally, CSK are a team expected to at least qualify for playoffs, so they will be disappointed with how the cycle went, especially with their performances in the 2024 edition.
Some big changes are bound to happen ahead of a fresh cycle, and CSK must be prudent with their retentions and releases.
Ruturaj Gaikwad: The captain of CSK, Ruturaj Gaikwad will definitely be the first retention ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. He is a perfect top-order batter who is a terrific player of spin and can anchor the innings at a precise rate. He will also shield pace hitters around him.
His auction value will be massive, more so now with his new role as a captain. CSK see him as their long-term successor to Dhoni, and he has been their best batter since joining the team. So, he should get the first retention slot.
Shivam Dube: Shivam Dube has been a revelation since joining CSK in IPL 2022. He bats in the middle order and is a nonchalant six-hitter, especially vs spin. Further, his game vs pace has also seen a decent rise, for he handles shorts balls way better than before.
He can also bowl medium-pace, even though CSK hasn’t used his bowling much due to the Impact Player rule. His value will surge due to his batting alone, for he provides the LHB dimension and can bat at No.4 or 5 in the order. At INR 14 crore, Dube offers too much value and would fit perfectly in any side, so CSK should not make the mistake of releasing him.
Matheesha Pathirana: For several reasons, Matheesha Pathirana should be CSK’s third pick. Firstly, he is among the finest operators in death overs, having an economy rate of 8.12. To remain unpredictable, he can bowl yorkers at will and different paces and lengths.
The speedsters of that level of control are arduous to find, even in the mega auction. Teams are ready to splash cash on such players in the auction, and CSK might not be able to get him back if they release him. The best thing would be to give him INR 11 crore and keep him.
MS Dhoni: MS Dhoni should be CSK’s first uncapped retention. He last played for India in 2019, so he fits nicely in the new rule. With Dhoni, emotions are attached, so he will surely be retained.
Even the rules have been tweaked to allow him to continue playing in the league. A solid pace hitter, Dhoni will provide impetus to the innings in the death overs. He will also keep the wickets, and his expertise with the gloves is well-documented.
Sameer Rizvi: Sameer Rizvi is among the most exciting youngsters in the game. A solid spin-hitter, capable of taking them down at ease, Rizvi will be an ideal batter for the middle order. CSK didn’t use him precisely in the previous edition, but the motto behind his acquisition was his abilities against spin.
Further, he can also bowl off-spin, making him a complete package. On Chennai tracks, Rizvi is an ideal player for his dual value. Like the previous edition, his auction value will be high, so CSK can simply keep him at INR 4 crores.
Ravindra Jadeja: A crucial member of CSK for a number of years, Ravindra Jadeja is the most notable exclusion. There are several reasons behind leaving him out. Firstly, Jadeja is not a T20 specialist and doesn’t provide enough value in any department to take a retention slot.
Further, he has retired from T20Is, so coming into the T20 groove for each season will be hard. His injury issues have been aplenty lately, and with him ageing, it’s uncertain whether Jadeja can endure another cycle. If they want, CSK can use RTM on him in the auction if his price is reasonable but retaining him at this stage won’t be wise.
Devon Conway: Devon Conway played an integral role in making MI successful in the 2023 edition but missed the last season due to an injury. The biggest reason for CSK to release him is that his value won’t be close to the retention slab. Sure, he is a quality player, but has he done enough to warrant retention or fetch a massive sum in the auction?
Further, his recent downfall has been concerning, which will play a huge role in reducing his auction value. His release will allow CSK to explore more options in the wicketkeeper-batters’ section. If his price is under the budget, CSK can also use RTM or even re-bid for him.
Rachin Ravindra: Rachin Ravindra was thought of as one for the future of CSK. However, he couldn’t perform according to the expectations. With plenty of good options will be available, his price won’t be exaggeratingly high in the auction.
Further, his bowling value won’t be much due to the Impact Player rule. Using an overseas slot for a half-baked player with a solitary specialisation won’t be a wise investment. CSK should re-bid for him in the mega auction and get him at a lower price if they want.
Tushar Deshpande: Tushar Deshpande was CSK’s leading wicket-taker in the previous two editions. He made consistent inroads and was crucial in making CSK champions in IPL 2023. However, CSK might still let him go ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
Firstly, his best value is with the new ball and vulnerable in other phases. So, his price might not surge as high as a death-overs specialist like Matheesha Pathirana. If uncapped, Tushar would have made a case, but now CSK should try bidding for him again in the auction rather than using a retention slot and deducting a reasonable sum from their budget.
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