3 players CSK should retain ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction Ft. Dhoni

MS Dhoni is likely to be retained by CSK as an uncapped player ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finished the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at fifth position and missed the playoffs by a whisker. The five-time champions will look to bounce back in the IPL 2025 season and add another title to their cabinet.

For that, they have to make some big decisions as the retention policy for the mega auction has been announced. The 18th edition of the IPL will be preceded by a mega auction. Six players can be retained through retentions and the Right To Match (RTM) option.

Here we will talk about three players whom CSK should retain ahead of the mega auction.

Three players CSK should retain ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction:

1. MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni has been a constant with CSK and is the face of the franchise, having led the franchise to five IPL titles.

It is now strongly believed that the 43-year-old Dhoni will play one more season after the IPL confirmed that Indian players who have not played international cricket for the last five years can be retained as uncapped players.

This means that Dhoni, who last played for India in 2019, can be retained at only INR 4 crores, which would open up space in the franchise’s purse.

Last season, Dhoni blasted 161 runs off only 73 balls, managing a strike rate of 220.

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad

The CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been one of the best batters in the league since 2021. Overall, he has scored 2380 runs in 65 innings at an average of 41.75. He was the top scorer for the franchise in the IPL 2024 and won the Orange Cap in 2021.

In IPL 2024, Gaikwad scored 583 runs in 14 innings at an average of 53 and a strike rate of 141.16. Gaikwad gives a solidity at the top and is touted as the future face of the franchise. He is expected to be retained in the highest bracket.

3. Matheesha Pathirana

Dhoni and CSK should be credited significantly for the rise and success of young Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana. The franchise has groomed him over the last three seasons and is likely to retain the slingy-actioned speedster.

Pathirana has become CSK’s go-to seamer and has performed well in the death overs. Overall, he has snapped 34 wickets in 20 games at an economy rate of 7.87.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.