Chennai Super Kings (CSK) did not have a great IPL 2024 as they could only win seven games and narrowly missed out on qualifying for the playoffs. Their loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) meant that they finished in fifth position and failed to advance to the next stage.

As they prepare for a new cycle, CSK would like to plan their retentions well and leave out players who they don’t think fit their plans. Given the quality of their squad, CSK have their work cut out for them and could be tempted to make some tough decisions by leaving out some good players.

We look at three impactful deliveries that CSK could play ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.

Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane was a revelation for CSK and played a crucial role in making them champions in 2023. However, CSK might release him as his value might not be enough in the auction.

Therefore, CSK can release him and if they want, they can bid for him again and get him back at a lower price. While Rahane did well in the 2023 season, his overall record was also not good enough to warrant a retention.

Also Read: KKR to make three impactful pitches ahead of IPL 2025 auction

Daryl Mitchell

CSK bought Daryl Mitchell for a whopping INR 14 crore during the IPL 2024 auction and had high hopes for him. However, Mitchell could not perform as consistently as CSK would have liked, scoring 318 runs at an average of 28.90 and a strike rate of 142.60 in 13 innings, including two fifties, in IPL 2024.

Since the last auction was a mini auction, Mitchell’s price increased dramatically, but this time it won’t be as high. Expect CSK to remove him before the IPL 2025 auction.

Tushar Deshpande

Since 2023, Tushar Deshpande has been CSK’s best bowler and leading wicket-taker. He has 38 wickets at an average of 26 and a strike rate of 16.55 in 29 innings, including a four-wicket haul.

However, CSK will have to leave him out as they have better players to retain, and Tushar could fetch a lower price than the IPL retention amount in the auction. If they want, CSK can chase him again or use RTM during the auction.

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