CSK’s likely IPL retention list: MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana and… – News18

Last update:October 28, 2024, 3:15 p.m. IST

Chennai Super Kings are expected to retain MS Dhoni but given the legend’s propensity for springing surprises, all options are on the table.

Will MS Dhoni be retained by Chennai Super Kings for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025? That’s the biggest question right now, as the deadline to announce retention lists quickly approaches. The 10 franchises have to submit the list to the IPL governing body by 5pm on Thursday and there is a lot of interest in which players will be retained and released.

The stage was set for Dhoni’s farewell in IPL 2024, with the five-time champions aiming for a record 6th title earlier this year. Chennai was the venue for the title clash. However, Yellow Army lost their final league match against Royal Challengers Bangalore and were eliminated.

And now that the IPL GC has reintroduced the scrapped rule in 2021, allowing players to be considered uncapped if they have retired from international cricket for five years, it is possible that CSK will keep Dhoni who shot the curtains on his international career in 2020. having last played for India in the 2019 ODI World Cup.

Of course, CSK’s retention will be highly anticipated.

Before the lists are released, let’s take a look at their six likely retentions

Ruturaj Gaikwad: The skipper is expected to be retained, owing to the confidence shown in him by the management and Dhoni himself ahead of the 2024 season. Just a day before the start of the season, the franchise announced Gaikwad’s succession. And that has been the culture of the team: always putting all your weight behind the captain.

Shivam Dubé: The all-rounder has been nurtured by the franchise and he recently became a world champion. Retaining Dube not only adds firepower to the middle team but also gives them a handy bowling option. CSK has mainly focused on all-rounders, and Dube is one of the best options to keep.

Ravindra Jadeja: Just like Dhoni, it’s a bit difficult to imagine Jadeja representing any team other than CSK. The left-hander has done enough and has nothing to prove. He is chosen from the franchise’s retention list. Even though last season wasn’t very good for him, his all-round skills and experience make him an asset that CSK won’t want to part with.

Matheesha Pathirana (abroad): CSK’s liking for the Sri Lanka pacer is evident. The right-arm quick was signed by the franchise in IPL 2022 as a replacement for the injured Adam Milne. He played 34 matches for CSK and picked up 34 wickets at an impressive economy of 7.88.

Sameer Rizvi (uncapped): Rizvi, who was the find of UPT20 last year, created a stir with his price tag of Rs 8.4 crore during the mini-auction. Given his talent, he could be the uncapped player the franchise would like to retain. He played 8 matches in his debut season, batted in 5 innings and scored 51 runs at a strike rate of 118.60.

MS Dhoni (uncapped): While the legend himself said he wanted to enjoy the “few years” of cricket he had left, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan claimed the franchise would be more than happy to have him as soon as he would be ready. The new rule allows the franchise to retain Dhoni, but fans should keep their fingers crossed until the rosters are released.