As Chennai Super Kings (CSK) prepares for the IPL 2025 mega auction, the franchise is gearing up for a season of big changes.
Known for maintaining their core group and even reacquiring former players, CSK’s focus this year is on establishing a new era while respecting their experienced lineup. With MS Dhoni’s legendary career coming to an end and his current role becoming more limited due to fitness issues, the team is looking to bring in new talent to lead them forward.
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Amid these changes, the franchise is quietly preparing for the possibility of bidding for one of India’s most explosive batsmen and wicketkeepers, Rishabh Pant, according to a report by The Indian Express.
Pant has reportedly been released by Delhi Capitals. With Dhoni likely to continue as an uncapped player, CSK see Pant as an ideal candidate to succeed him in the coming years.
Pant’s potential availability in the auction has prompted CSK to carefully examine their portfolio and explore ways to release funds, ensuring they are well positioned to secure a marquee Indian player if required.
Ravindra Jadeja – Retain or release?
One major decision facing CSK has to do with their versatile all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja. While Jadeja has been instrumental in the team’s success, the last few seasons have raised questions about his effectiveness in the T20 format.
His skills as a left-arm spinner and agile fielder remain unparalleled, however, his role as a T20 batsman has shown limitations. The CSK management is considering retaining Jadeja outright or letting him enter the auction pool, where they could re-acquire him using the Right to Match (RTM) option, potentially at a lower price.
CSK have also taken this approach before with some of their senior players, sometimes even losing them in the auction.
Repeating this strategy could allow CSK to allocate more funds to a high-profile player without sacrificing Jadeja’s value to the team. However, the franchise is also well aware of Jadeja’s strong connection with the CSK fan base and the loyalty he has shown, so a final decision will balance both financial strategy and team spirit.
Rishabh Pant vs Ruturaj Gaikwad: Future CSK captain?
As CSK look ahead, a key question remains as to who will lead the team in the long term. Ruturaj Gaikwad, the current captain, has shown promise both as a batsman and as a leader.
Known for his calm demeanor and consistent performance, Gaikwad represents the kind of stability that CSK values in a leader. But with Pant likely to join the team, the franchise could find itself with two worthy candidates for the captaincy.
Pant, known for his aggressive approach and fearless batting, brings a different energy to the field. His experience in the Indian team, along with his stints as Delhi’s captain in the IPL, makes him an interesting option.
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While Gaikwad has been groomed to lead and is already familiar with CSK’s environment, Pant’s addition could change the dynamic if CSK look for a more dynamic face for the team. The decision between Pant and Gaikwad would probably come down to the long-term vision of the franchise and the direction they want to take as Dhoni gradually steps away from the limelight.
All in all, this explosive report on the day of the IPL retention deadline will keep CSK fans on the edge of their seats.