Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has voiced his opinion on the retention strategy for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. In a recent interview with Star Sports, Singh emphasized that MS Dhoni should top CSK’s retention list, regardless of his status as an uncapped player due to new IPL regulations.
IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Harbhajan Singh Names The Players To Be Retained By CSK:
Dhoni’s Uncertain Future Sparks Discussion
Dhoni’s participation in future IPL seasons remains uncertain. However, his strategic value and leadership qualities make him an invaluable asset to CSK. Singh highlighted, “If Dhoni is available, he would certainly be the team’s first choice for retention, even if he is considered an uncapped player this season.”
New IPL Retention Rules Favor CSK
Under the revised IPL rules, players like Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, could be retained at a lower base price. This rule effectively makes Dhoni an uncapped player, potentially allowing CSK to retain him for just INR four crore, a strategic advantage for the franchise.
Harbhajan Details CSK’s Potential Retention Strategy
Looking beyond Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh offered insights into who CSK might retain next. “Following him, the next pick would be Ravindra Jadeja, then Rachin Ravindra,” he suggested, indicating a blend of experience and fresh talent.
He continued, “As for the captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, he would also be a definite retention.” Singh’s analysis extends to the bowling department, where he believes Matheesha Pathirana, known for his deceptive bowling, would likely be kept. “Besides them, we could also see Pathirana, who is an excellent bowler, kept in the squad.”
Speculation on CSK’s Final Retention List
Singh speculated that CSK might retain only five players to optimize their strategy for the auction. “So in my view, the likely retentions are Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Pathirana,” he concluded, offering a comprehensive look at what could be CSK’s approach in the upcoming mega auction.
Harbhajan Singh’s insights provide a clear roadmap for CSK’s retention strategy, focusing on a mix of seasoned leadership with emerging talent. While the final decisions lie with CSK’s management, Singh’s analysis underlines the importance of balancing experience with potential in the dynamic landscape of IPL auctions. As the retention deadline approaches, fans and analysts alike eagerly await CSK’s official list, which could shape the team’s fortunes in IPL 2025.
