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IPL 2025: 3 Openers That CSK Will Target To Pair With Ruturaj Gaikwad In the Mega Auction

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad for CSK and Quinton de Kock for South Africa [Source: @chaktiman,ShuhidAufridi/x.com]Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad for CSK and Quinton de Kock for South Africa [Source: @chaktiman,ShuhidAufridi/x.com]

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Chennai Super Kings pulled off one of the biggest heists during the retention for the IPL 2025. They managed to make the best use of the uncapped player retention role and kept MS Dhoni in their sum for a mere sum of INR 4 Cr. Besides MSD, CSK retained Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, and Shivam Dube. This meant that they had to let go of some of their big stars like - Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Maheesh Theekshana, etc.

With Devon Conway released, CSK will be searching for an opener who could pair up with Gaikwad and play a major role in getting them their sixth IPL Title. In this article, we will look at CSK's potential targets. 

What Will CSK Look For in an opener?

Over the years, we have seen CSK generally pair up two complimentary players in the opening slot. While one of them can anchor the innings, the other batter can attack the opposition in the powerplay. Devon Conway developed a great understanding with Gaikwad as the duo switched gears depending on each other very easily. So, CSK will target a similar sort of batter who can adjust his game to that of Ruturaj Gaikwad and form a solid partnership at the top.

Here are three such openers that CSK might target -

3. Aiden Markram

Why CSK Will Target Aiden Markram?

The South African batter generally bats in the middle order in T20s. But Aiden Markram has the game to open the innings and is a very dynamic batter at the top. Besides, Markram is known for his steady approach and can change gears swiftly as per the demands of the game. Markram could be a perfect partner for Gaikwad, and there are chances that CSK might not have to spend a huge amount on him.

2. Quinton de Kock

Why CSK will target Quinton de Kock?

LSG has released the South African batter, and he will be a prime target for many franchises in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Quinton de Kock has proven over the years that he can be very effective with his aggressive yet consistent batting at the top of the order. 

De Kock can be a great fit in the CSK setup as he can take on the bowlers while Gaikwad takes the time to settle down on the other end. Besides, he has done well on the slow track at Ekana and can be effective in similar conditions at the Chepauk. Also, the fact that his induction will give them right hand-left hand combination at the top might make the CSK management go after him.

In QDK, CSK will also get a wicketkeeper option on whom they can bank for a few of the upcoming seasons if MSD decides to call it quits. However, the other franchises will also be keeping an eye on de Kock, and he might be over budget for CSK.

1. Devon Conway

Why will CSK target Devon Conway?

The Kiwi opener has established himself as a key member of the team in a couple of seasons. One of the main reasons behind CSK's off-colour performance in IPL 2024 was Devon Conway's injury absence. Conway has developed a great understanding of Ruturaj Gaikwad. The duo complement each other very nicely and can adjust to each other’s game according to each other's tempo. Besides, CSK will have the option of using the RTM card on Conway and given that his presence will strengthen the core of the team, they might prefer to repurchase him.

Conclusion

CSK has always been very clever about how they spend their money at auctions. They will have targets and backups for the spot in the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, Devon Conway has already established himself in the franchise and has become a vital cog in the mechanism. With the option to RTM him, CSK will definitely look to repurchase him during the auction.