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'Lesser Purse, Can't Compete'- CSK CEO Puts Rishabh Pant Linkup Rumours To Rest

Akshita Patel

Rishabh Pant is likely to be pursued by CSK in IPL 2025 mega auction [Source: @LoyalSachinFan/X.com]Rishabh Pant is likely to be pursued by CSK in IPL 2025 mega auction [Source: @LoyalSachinFan/X.com]

While the news are abuzz with the possibility of CSK making a bid on Rishabh Pant in the mega auction of IPL 2025, the team's CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, finally went public on the same, stating that CSK would rather get its own players back than burn crores on star Indian names, which includes Pant as the purse amount is already low.

CSK retained 5 players for the upcoming IPL 2025 season namely Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni. However, weeks ahead of the mega auction, the franchise has been linked to free agent Rishabh Pant.

Delhi Capitals (DC) released Pant and MS Dhoni’s closeness with the wicket-keeper fuelled the rumours. However, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan recently broke his silence and put the rumours to rest.

CSK CEO opens up on pursuing Rishabh Pant in mega auction

In an interview with Ambati Rayudu on Provoke TV, Kasi Viswanathan addressed the Pant rumours without ruling out the possibility. He revealed that the franchise’s primary focus remains on retaining its core lineup. 

"We had discussions with Ruturaj, the captain, MS (Dhoni) and coach Stephen Fleming before we decided on the retentions. We were very clear that the players that helped the team grow, stabilise in the previous years were the ones very important for the CSK team to continue further," Viswanathan said.

Viswanathan has also pointed to the problems the CSK would face with limited purse during the auction if it decided to prioritise its core players above all else. The comments suggest that CSK might exercise restraint on aggressive bidding for marquee players Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer, who might attract huge prices. Still, if the budget allows, CSK are open to any possibility. 

"We knew that if we retain these players, we would have a lesser purse to go into the auction. We knew that we wouldn't be able to compete with the other teams when it comes to the best of the Indian players. I mean, we will still try, but i don't think we'll be able to get them at the auction," he added.

3 players CSK could target via RTM card

After 5 retentions, CSK are left with just a single RTM card. Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Maheesh Theekshana are 3 probable names CSK could use an RTM card for in the upcoming mega auction. Across 23 games, Conway scored 924 runs for CSK, whereas Rachin’s rise in all formats is noteworthy. As for Theekshana, the spinner grabbed 25 wickets in 27 matches with a 7.66 economy in the yellow jersey.