IPL 2025 Retention Players List Chennai Super Kings Probability and Mega Auction Strategy | CSK Retention List 2025

As the IPL 2025 season approaches, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are gearing up for a significant reshuffle ahead of the mega auction. The team management is expected to focus on retaining a solid core of players while eyeing fresh talent to bring in new energy and balance. With CSK's consistent success in IPL history, a well-crafted retention strategy and auction plan could put them on track for another championship. Here's a detailed analysis of the probable retention players, expected squad, and CSK's approach to building a winning combination.

CSK Retention List for IPL 2025

CSK can retain up to 6 players via retention or Right to Match (RTM). Here’s a look at the most probable players who will be retained:

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad

   • Captain for 2025 and CSK’s primary opener. Gaikwad’s calm, consistent batting at the top and his growing leadership skills make him indispensable for the future​​

2. Ravindra Jadeja 

   • Jadeja is one of CSK’s most impactful players, with his all-round abilities. His experience, fielding, and ability to win matches with both bat and ball make him a key figure​

3. Matheesha Pathirana 

   • The Sri Lankan fast bowler has been a revelation for CSK, excelling as a death-over specialist. Pathirana’s knack for taking wickets at crucial moments makes him a certain retention​

4. MS Dhoni (Uncapped)

   • Though Dhoni has retired from international cricket, he is expected to be retained as an uncapped player under the new IPL regulations. Even if he reduces his playing role, his leadership and tactical mind remain critical​

5. Shivam Dube 

   • Dube’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball, particularly as a finisher, makes him a valuable asset. His performance in the last season has been impressive, adding firepower to the middle order​

6. Rajvardhan Hangargekar (Uncapped)

   • A promising young Indian fast bowler, Hangargekar’s pace and potential make him an ideal retention to nurture for the future​

Right to Match (RTM) Possibilities

CSK may use the RTM option to bring back key players, depending on the auction dynamics:

• Devon Conway/Rachin Ravindra (RTM) – Conway/Rachin has been consistent at the top of the order and might be brought back using the RTM card. His partnership with Gaikwad has worked wonders for CSK.
• Deepak Chahar (RTM) – Chahar, CSK's strike bowler in the powerplay, has been pivotal with his swing and early breakthroughs. If he enters the auction, expect CSK to use RTM to retain him​

Targeting Key Players from Other Franchises

To strengthen their squad for IPL 2025, CSK is likely to target several key players from other franchises during the mega auction

1. Ravichandran Ashwin (from Rajasthan Royals)

   • Ashwin’s return to CSK has been widely speculated. His experience as a spinner and his ability to bowl in any phase of the game make him an ideal candidate for CSK’s spin-heavy strategy​

2. Varun Chakravarthy (from Kolkata Knight Riders)

   • Chakravarthy’s mystery spin could add variety to CSK’s bowling attack. His ability to bowl in pressure situations might tempt CSK to bid for him​..

Exciting New Talents CSK May Eye

CSK is also keen on bringing in fresh, exciting talents to boost their squad. Here are some new faces they could target:

1. Sai Sudharsan (from Gujarat Titans)

   • Sudharsan’s performances in domestic cricket and IPL have turned heads. CSK could see him as a long-term middle-order option​

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal (from Rajasthan Royals)

   • Jaiswal’s aggressive batting style and potential as an opener could attract CSK’s interest. Pairing him with Gaikwad at the top could be a formidable strategy​

Eyeing Several Foreign Players

To maintain a balanced squad, CSK will look to strengthen their overseas contingent. Some key foreign players they may target are:

1. Trent Boult (New Zealand)

   • Boult’s experience and ability to swing the ball upfront make him a sought-after bowler. CSK could look to him to enhance their pace attack​

2. Nicholas Pooran (West Indies)

Pooran’s explosive middle-order batting and wicket-keeping ability could provide CSK with the firepower they need, particularly for finishing matches​

Complete Expected Squad and Winning Combination

Based on probable retentions, RTMs, and new targets, here’s the expected CSK squad for IPL 2025:

Retained Core:

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain)
2. Ravindra Jadeja
3. Matheesha Pathirana
4. Shivam Dube
5. MS Dhoni (Uncapped)
6. Rajvardhan Hangargekar (Uncapped)

Potential RTM Picks:

1. Devon Conway/Rachin Ravindra
2. Deepak Chahar

Key Auction Targets:

1. Ravichandran Ashwin
2. Varun Chakravarthy
3. Mustafizur Rahman

New Talent & Overseas Players:

1. Sai Sudharsan
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
3. Nicholas Pooran
4. Trent Boult

Winning Combination

• Top Order: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Middle Order: Shivam Dube, Nicholas Pooran, Ravindra Jadeja
• All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Rachin Ravindra (RTM)
• Pace Attack: Matheesha Pathirana, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar
• Spinners: Ravichandran Ashwin, Varun Chakravarthy

This mix of youth, experience, and tactical expertise positions CSK as strong contenders for IPL 2025. By retaining a solid core and targeting high-impact players, CSK can craft a squad with the perfect balance of aggression and experience to maintain their legacy as one of the most successful teams in IPL history.