Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Likely Retained Players List Explained

MS Dhoni set to be retained by Chennai Super Kings as we look at the players that CSK are likely to finalize ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. 

Ever since the meeting between the IPL managing committee and the owners of all 10 franchises took place, Chennai Super Kings, and especially MS Dhoni have been in focus keeping in mind the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. As we know, MS Dhoni will be turning 44 before next year, and If at all he decides to continue playing in the Indian Premier League, which in all likelihood he will, then that will make him the oldest player to play in the tournament. 

But the issue is not about MS Dhoni playing the tournament. He is definitely a crowd-puller, and has a huge unmatchable fan base. So, his mere presence is enough to make sure CSK and thus IPL remain in business. But the issue is his contribution to the team vis-a-vis the amount that is blocked to play such a player. Now, MS Dhoni’s retention amount is again not a problem. He is valued much more than that, but if he is retained, he is likely to block the space of another key player.

So, to solve this issue, CSK have been pushing for players (MS Dhoni for them) to be considered under the uncapped players category if they have retired for more than 5 years from International cricket. If this rule is implemented, CSK will be allowed to retain MS Dhoni under a special category of uncapped player; thus CSK will get an additional space to retain MS Dhoni, without compromising on the place for another player. 

CSK Likely Retained Players List – IPL 2025

Now, the IPL 2025 Mega Auction rules aren’t out yet, but in all likelihood, we should see teams being allowed to retain 4-6 players with 4 being an almost confirmed number. Even if the IPL managing committee doesn’t include the uncapped player rule, CSK will retain MS Dhoni if at all MS Dhoni continues to play in the Indian Premier League. So, we can safely assume that one of the players that CSK retains shall be MS Dhoni. 

With MS Dhoni as one confirmed name, CSK will for sure retain two more players irrespective of the rule, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja. Ruturaj is not only the Captain of the team, but is also one of the finest batters in the IPL at the moment. Having played just 66 matches so far, Ruturaj has already amassed a total of 2380 runs at an average of 42 and a strike rate of 137. These are superb numbers for someone who started his career only a few seasons back. 

Similar to Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK will for sure retain Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja has been CSK’s MVP for countless years now. He was also behind CSK winning the 2023 IPL trophy after being the center of the winning moment in the last over. Moreover, Jadeja’s stats are fantastic. In the 240 matches that Jadeja has played so far, he has scored 2959 runs and taken 160 wickets. These are phenomenal stats highlighting the role of Jadeja in both departments. 

Shivam Dube vs Overseas Player

With three players now already finalized, if only four players are allowed, CSK have options in the form of Shivam Dube, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana, and Devon Conway. Ideally, CSK may want all these players in the side. But with a space for only one player, CSK may not be able to add another Indian as four Indians won’t be allowed in one stretch. So, for the Overseas player spot, CSK are likely to choose Matheesha Pathirana above Devon Conway. 

CSK Likely Retained Players List for IPL 2025:

Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja & Matheesha Pathirana 

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