IPL 2025: CSK's 5th Retention; If MS Dhoni Retires Or BCCI Doesn't Change the Rules

CSK during the IPL 2024 [X]CSK during the IPL 2024 [X]

The IPL 2025 is already gaining traction among cricket fans because of the mega auction ahead of the season. There will be many expertly planned changes in the teams' dynamics, with retentions and releases on the cards. Even though the BCCI has not yet confirmed the retention rules, there are reports that the franchises will be allowed five retentions with no RTMs (Right To Match).

Chennai Super Kings, with five IPL titles under their belt, have been the most consistent team in the league's history. The key to their success has been maintaining a solid core. They will again look to retain the core of their team in the upcoming season.

One of CSK's key steps has been to push the BCCI to bring back the rule that players who retired from international cricket for more than five years were considered uncapped. This is key for them as they are trying to hold on to their legend, MS Dhoni, for IPL 2025.

MS Dhoni is expected to be one of the five retentions of CSK ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction. The other four retentions are expected: Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube and Ruturaj Gaikwad. But what if BCCI doesn't change their rules or MS Dhoni decides to hang up his boots before IPL 2025? Here are three players who could be their fifth retention - 

3. Mustafizur Rahman

The experienced Bangladeshi bowler emerged as one of their critical cogs during his time in IPL 2024. In the nine games that Mustafizur Rahman played for CSK in the tournament's previous edition, he picked up 14 wickets while maintaining an economy of 9.26. Fizz's bowling suits the pitch of CSK's home ground, MA Chidambaram Stadium. Given the effect he left on the team's performance and how he made himself a valuable part of the team, the Bangladeshi pacer might be the player CSK look to retain if MS Dhoni retires or BCCI does not change their replacement. 

2. Devon Conway

The New Zealand opener has proven himself as a consistent performer at the game's highest level. Devon Conway was one of the critical cogs of the CSK team during the championship run in IPL 2023. He scored 672 runs in 16 matches at an average of 51.69 and a strike rate of 139.71 during that season and formed a solid opening partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad. The absence of Conway in IPL 2024 was one of the main reasons they struggled, as their composition was imbalanced, and they failed to find a perfect replacement. 

1. Maheesh Theekshana

The Sri Lankan spinner has been an important part of the CSK team for the last couple of seasons. Maheesh Theekshana's ability to bowl effective spells with the new ball allows the skipper dynamism and flexibility to work with his bowling attack. Theekshana has played 27 matches for CSK and picked up 25 wickets while maintaining an economy of 7.66. He is an essential part of the CSK bowling equation; if MS Dhoni cannot play in the tournament's next edition, Maheesh Theekshana could be their fifth retention.