New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have reportedly decided to retain five players ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. There has been a lot of speculation regarding Dhoni’s future with the five-time champions. However, the legendary wicket-keeper batter is set to be retained as an uncapped player by the franchise.
As per a report in the Times of India, CSK have finalised their five retentions ahead of the mega auction. While they will retain Dhoni as an uncapped player, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja are also set to continue with the franchise and are likely to be the top two retentions. CSK will also retain India all-rounder Shivam Dube and Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana.
CSK will utilise the uncapped player rule reinstated by BCCI to keep hold of Dhoni ahead of the new season. Despite turning 43, Dhoni remains a vital cog in the CSK line-up and the franchise wants the former captain to continue playing. The uncapped player rule allows a franchise to retain an Indian player who has retired from international cricket or has not held a central contract for 5 years to be retained as uncapped.
CSK will only have to pay Dhoni Rs 4 crore to retain him as an uncapped player which will not hurt their overall purse too much. As per the TOI report, Gaikwad and Jadeja are expected to be the top two retentions but might get the same amount from the franchise. The BCCI rules state that the top two retentions should get Rs 18 crore and Rs 14 crore respectively. However, the franchises have the freedom to divide the total retention amount among their players as per their liking.
CSK might give Rs 16 crore each to Gaikwad and Jadeja as their top two retentions. Meanwhile, Dube and Pathirana are likely to be their 3rd and 4th capped retentions. If they retain 4 capped players and Dhoni as uncapped, CSK will have to spend at least Rs 65 crore from their overall purse of Rs 120 crore which would leave them with only Rs 55 crore for the auction.
Ruturaj Gaikwad likely to continue as captain
Gaikwad, who took over the baton from Dhoni last season, is expected to continue as captain for the five-time champions. The star batter has witnessed a remarkable rise ever since joining CSK and has been groomed by the franchise. He has been one of their consistent performers with 2380 runs from 68 matches in the IPL at an average of 41.75 and a strike rate of over 136, including 2 centuries and 18 fifties.
