Chennai Super Kings IPL 2025 Auction Strategy: Potential Retentions and RTM Options

With the IPL 2025 Auction approaching, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) must make crucial player retention decisions and use Right to Match (RTM) cards. Based on the IPL 2025 rules, CSK can retain a maximum of six players and use RTMs at the auction if they retain fewer players. With these options and a total purse of ₹120 crores, here’s how CSK could approach the auction.

The total purse for the auction is ₹120 crore, and retentions come with specific purse deductions. Let’s see how CSK can approach this.

Players Chennai Super Kings Are Likely to Retain

1. MS Dhoni (Wicketkeeper – Capped/Uncapped)

MS Dhoni is the heart and soul of CSK. Even if he takes a mentorship role, his presence on the field or in the dressing room is invaluable. He is not just a player; he’s a tactical genius and motivator. A capped Indian player becomes uncapped if they haven’t played in the starting XI of any international format or don’t have a Central Contract with BCCI in the last five years. Since Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2019, he qualifies to be retained as an uncapped player.

• Purse Deduction:₹18 crore

2. Ravindra Jadeja (All-Rounder – Capped)

Jadeja is a match-winner with both ball and bat and arguably one of the best fielders in the world. His experience and versatility make him an automatic retention choice.

• Purse Deduction:₹18 crore

3. Ruturaj Gaikwad (Batsman – Capped)

Gaikwad established himself as CSK’s future as Dhoni gave him captaincy. His consistency at the top order and his ability to anchor and accelerate make him indispensable to the team.

• Purse Deduction:₹14 crore

4. Deepak Chahar (Bowler – Capped)

Chahar is a crucial cog in CSK’s bowling attack, especially with the new ball. His ability to swing the ball upfront and contribute with the bat makes him a valuable asset.

• Purse Deduction: ₹14 crore

5. Shivam Dube (All-Rounder – Capped)

Shivam Dube has proven his worth as a hard-hitting middle-order batsman and a handy bowler. His ability to finish games with the bat adds depth to CSK’s lineup.

• Purse Deduction: ₹11 crore

6. Mukesh Choudhary (Bowler – Uncapped)

Choudhary has shown great potential with the ball, especially in the powerplay. As an uncapped player, retaining him gives CSK a solid bowler without a significant purse hit.

• Purse Deduction:₹4 crore

Scenario 1: Retaining 6 Players

If CSK retains all six of the above players (5 capped + 1 uncapped), they will have ₹79 crore deducted from their auction purse, leaving them with ₹41 crore to spend at the auction table. In this scenario, they will not have any RTMs left.

Scenario 2: Retaining 5 Players (Using RTM)

If CSK opts to retain five players (for instance, leaving out Mukesh Choudhary), they will have ₹65 crore deducted from their purse, leaving them with ₹55 crore. In this case, they will still have 1 RTM card to use during the auction.

Using the RTM: Who Should CSK Bring Back?

1. Ajinkya Rahane (Batsman – Capped)

Rahane’s resurgence in IPL 2023 and 2024 showed he still has plenty of fuel left in the tank. His experience and ability to stabilize the innings make him a valuable player in the middle order. If CSK lets him go into the auction, they should use the RTM to bring him back, especially if his auction price is reasonable.

2. Maheesh Theekshana (Bowler – Capped)

Theekshana has been CSK’s mystery spinner and a key bowler in the middle overs. Given the value of quality spinners in the IPL, CSK should use the RTM to get him back if he fetches a high bid. His variations are critical, especially on Indian pitches.

3. Shardul Thakur (All-Rounder – Capped)

Thakur, known for his crucial breakthroughs and ability to contribute with the bat, is a player that teams will want. CSK might not retain him initially, but if his price escalates at the auction, they could use an RTM to get him back, given his utility across departments.

Key Uncapped Players to Watch using RTM:

If CSK opts to retain only one uncapped player, they could consider using the RTM for one of the following:

1. Nishant Sindhu (All-Rounder – Uncapped)

Sindhu, a rising all-rounder, could be an excellent investment for CSK’s future. If his price increases in the auction, using an RTM could ensure CSK returns him.

2. Sameer Rizvi (Batsman – Uncapped)

Another promising uncapped talent, Rizvi, could be a valuable addition to CSK’s batting order. If other teams show interest, an RTM could be an intelligent way for CSK to keep him.

Conclusion: CSK’s Ideal Retention & RTM Strategy

Given the depth of the Chennai Super Kings squad, the best approach would be to retain five key players and use 1 RTM. This would give them flexibility during the auction while maintaining a solid core.

• Retain- MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Deepak Chahar, Shivam Dube
• Use RTM for- Ajinkya Rahane or Maheesh Theekshana, depending on auction dynamics.

This strategy allows CSK to hold onto their experienced leaders while securing critical players during the auction.

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