MS Dhoni for CSK [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]
The IPL 2025 is already gaining the fans' interest. With the mega auction approaching, the IPL fans eagerly await how their teams strategise and formulate for the seasons ahead. With just a few days left in the grand event, we will take a look at the probable plans and strategies of the IPL franchises.
Chennai Super Kings are one of the most successful teams in the tournament. One key to their success has been their ability to retain a solid core over the years. They have looked to back the same players and bring the best out of them. In the mega-auction, we might see a similar strategy from them.
Before analysing their mega-auction plans and strategies, let's look at CSK's retention list ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction.
CSK Retained Player List For IPL 2025
Player | Nation | Retention Cost |
---|---|---|
Ruturaj Gaikwad | India | INR 18 Cr |
Ravindra Jadeja | India | INR 18 Cr |
Matheesha Pathirana | Sri Lanka | INR 13 Cr |
Shivam Dube | India | INR 12 Cr |
MS Dhoni | India | INR 4 Cr |
5 Retentions | INR 65 Cr |
Slots To Filled In Auction- 20
Purse Left - INR 55 Cr
Targeted Opener For CSK In IPL 2025 Mega Auction
Devon Conway for CSK [Source: @Vibhor4CSK/x.com]
Devon Conway - Base Price INR 2 Cr
Estimated Spent - INR 10-12 Cr
Devon Conway has established himself as a vital member of the CSK set-up. His absence in IPL 2024 hurt the team and played a big role in them not qualifying for the playoffs. The consistency he brings at the top and the understanding he has developed with Ruturaj Gaikwad will induce the management to use the RTM on him or repurchase him during the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Targeted Middle Order For CSK In IPL 2025 Mega Auction
Musheer Khan and Romario Shepherd will be in target of CSK [Source: @JSKSA20, @weRcricket/x.com]
Sarfaraz Khan (Base Price INR 75 Lakhs) /Musheer Khan (Base Price INR 30 Lakhs), Sameer Rizvi ( Base Price INR 30 Lakhs), Romario Shepherd (Base Price INR 1.50 Cr)
Estimated Spent - INR 20-25 Cr
CSK have always preferred a dynamic batter at number three. They want a player who can adapt himself to the match situation and can help build the innings so that the big hitters can come lower down the order. Sarfaraz Khan or Musheer Khan could be a perfect fit for the role of CSK. With Musheer Khan’s lower price and his ability to bowl a couple of overs, CSK might look to go for the youngster.
Sameer Rizvi has already proven himself as a middle order batter for CSK in the last season. Rizvi’s ability to hit from the first ball of his innings will add depth and flexibility to the CSK batting line-up. Also, they will look to make him a part of the future Indian core.
Romario Shepherd might be the perfect utility player that CSK generally prefer in their mix. The West Indian can be a game-changer with the bat, with his big-hitting abilities lower down the order. Besides, Shepherd can also be very effective as a bowler in all the stages of a T20 match.
Targeted Bowlers For CSK In IPL 2025 Mega Auction
Deepak Chahar has been brilliant with the new ball for CSK [Source: @toisports/x.com]
Deepak Chahar (Base Price INR 2 Cr), Mukesh Choudhary ( Base Price INR 30 Lakhs), Simarjeet Singh ( Base Price INR 30 Lakhs), Maheesh Theekshana (Base Price INR 2 Cr), Tushar Deshpande (Base Price INR 1 Cr)
Estimated Spent - INR 15- 18 Cr
CSK, playing most of their game at the Chepauk, always prefer to have quality spinners on their side. With Ravindra Jadeja already retained, CSK will be looking to bring in Maheesh Theekshana. The Sri Lankan spinner has already proven himself effective for the team, and his ability to bowl at any stage of a match will make the management try to repurchase him during the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Deepak Chahar’s utility as a new ball bowler is something CSK have used brilliantly. The CSK management has backed this Indian pacer, and he is already a part of their core. Given his utility with the new ball and his being a part of the unit, they will look to repurchase him.
Mukesh Choudhary, Simarjeet Singh, and Tushar Deshpande have all shown much promise for CSK in the last three seasons. Buying these players once more will help them retain their bowling core.
Back-Up Plans For CSK In IPL 2025 Mega Auction
Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Anshul Kamboj, Ayush Mhatre, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Khaleel Ahmed, Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, R Sai Kishore, Mitchell Santner, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mustafizur Rahman, Aaron Hardie, Marcus Stoinis.
Targeted Playing 12 For CSK In IPL 2025
Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)
Devon Conway ✈️
Sarfaraz Khan/Musheer Khan
Sameer Rizvi
Romario Shepherd ✈️
Ravindra Jadeja
MS Dhoni (WK)
Deepak Chahar
Maheesh Theekshana ✈️
Mukesh Choudhary/Simarjeet Singh
Matheesha Pathirana ✈️
Impact Player - Shivam Dube/Tushar Deshpande (Bowling first/Batting First)