Twenty20 fever in the country is back. IPL 2025 is right around the corner, and teams are all set to make a comeback following the previous edition’s debacle, wherein Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finished fifth.
They lost narrowly to their arch-rivals Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a last-gasp finish to the points table, in a game that sealed their exit from the playoffs. This heartbreak will lead into next season, and the franchise’s retentions in recent days tell me of a team primed for redemption. Ultimately, CSK has retained five core players who have added experience to their side with youth.
CSK’s IPL 2025 Retentions
– Ruturaj Gaikwad: INR 18 crore
– Matheesha Pathirana: INR 13 crore
– Shivam Dube: INR 12 crore
– Ravindra Jadeja: INR 18 crore
– MS Dhoni: INR 4 crore (as an uncapped player)
Ruturaj Gaikwad: The Captain
Ruturaj Gaikwad is retained by INR 18 crore at the top of CSK’s batting and leadership charts. ‘Rockstar Ruttu’ has earned a reputation for being a man for all situations, but his forte has been opening the batting and anchoring innings. His calm demeanor and match-winning temperament make him invaluable as CSK tries to regain its winning form. He will also be fronting a side in transition, mixing in some fresh blood with the experienced heads. His leadership and versatility in situations have been the reason behind CSK’s resurgence plan.
Matheesha Pathirana: CSK’s Young Strike Bowler
His retention at INR 13 crore speaks a lot about his potential as a valuable top bowler. He has a sling action that reminds you of Lasith Malinga and brings his quality to CSK’s bowling attack. Pathirana has a knack for breaking partnerships, and it can be damaging in the death overs, especially. Not to forget his ability to break the stumps.
The 21-year-old is expected to play a pivotal role for CSK in bowling in high-pressure situations as he gains experience. However, this retention reiterates CSK’s inclination to feed young talent steeped enough to rise to the occasion in such moments.
Shivam Dube: Middle-Order Muscle
Shivam Dube returns to his CSK roots, retained at INR 12 crore, and he brings power and flexibility to CSK’s lineup. He offers a balance in the middle order between stability and aggression and an ability to kick on if required. His bowling, too, provides versatility, and CSK can have another option for different matchups.
His middle-order batting provides a balance between stability and aggression, with an ability to accelerate when needed. His bowling also adds versatility, giving CSK an additional option for various match ups. His retention shows a flexibility and depth strategy, as he plays both batting and bowling as required.
CSK has earmarked him to make a balanced side that will be able to give the best response to different game situations. Bought back in the 2022 mega auction, he saw his career take an upward spiral! CSK’s newest Raina: Shivam Dube.
Ravindra Jadeja: CSK’s Veteran All-Rounder
The retention of Ravindra Jadeja at INR 18 crore underlines the fact that the CSK can’t do without him. He is a true all-rounder who does well in batting, bowling, and fielding, and he is a proven game-changer. He’s in-disposable in close contests with his powerful lower-order hitting and economical bowling.
Jadeja has experience and leadership qualities beyond that to guide the younger players. As CSK hurries to make a comeback from the setback of last season and challenge for a title, his influence on the team’s strategy and team spirit will be crucial. Controversial take: He is as important as MSD for this team.
MS Dhoni: The Captain’s Legacy Lives On
Perhaps the most symbolic retention was of MS Dhoni, who was retained for INR 4 crore under a special rule allowing retired players without recent international appearances to fall under the uncapped head. Dhoni’s limited on-field presence can be replaced, but his game sense and tactical acumen are irreplaceable.
As a mentor and strategist, his value allows for stability and insight. Dhoni’s calm and his abilities to read the game inspire his teammates, and having him reflects CSK’s commitment to throw the Leviathan and the Legacy out the window and keep on with continuity. His retention follows CSK’s ethos of leadership and experience.
CSK’s retention policy demonstrates a fine balance between youth and experience, resulting in a team that adapts and is about resistance. They are powered by their close loss to RCB in the last league match of 2024. Keeping this mix of players means that CSK has a squad with adequate depth, versatility, and competition winners. As they try to rebrand themselves back among the league’s elite, this balance will be essential.
With IPL 2025 in sight, CSK fans have a season to look forward to, during which redemption and the hunger to win will be at their peak. CSK has a resilient lineup, and the strategy has been all about synergy and adaptability, which will make for an exciting ride back to the top.
