Former Indian national cricket team player Harbhajan Singh has predicted Chennai Super Kings (CSK) retentions ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction. He feels unsure if MS Dhoni will play , but if he plays, the team will retain him.
The deadline to announce the list of retained and released players is just around the corner. The 10 franchises must present the list on October 31. Each team can retain a maximum of 6 players, including also one uncapped player.
Chennai Super Kings will have a big headache choosing 6 players
Keeping 6 players will be a big headache for some franchises, and keeping a few players among a team full of superstars will be a big headache. One such team would be Chennai Super Kings as they have many match winners in the team.
Chennai Super Kings have players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, Mateehsa Theekshana, Devon Conway and Mustafizur Rahman in their ranks. Retaining just 6 will require a huge task on the part of management.
“I’m not sure whether Dhoni will play or not, but if he is available, he would definitely be the team’s first choice – Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh, while talking about the retentions of the Chennai Super Kings, said that if available, MS Dhoni will be the first retention. The former player of the team believes that apart from the wicketkeeper-batsman, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja will be the other two main retentions. He also believes that Gaikwad will be the captain of the team. Speaking to Star Sports, Harbhajan Singh explained:
“I’m not sure if Dhoni will play or not, but if he is available, he would certainly be the team’s first choice for retention, even if he is considered an uncapped player this season. After him, the next choice would be Ravindra Jadeja ., then Rachin Ravindra. As for the captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, it would also be a definite retention.”
MS Dhoni is yet to confirm his availability for IPL 2025. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) officials have reportedly approached the wicketkeeper-batsman for the same but he has not taken any decision. Reports claimed that franchise officials We will meet with him on October 29 or 30. Only after the meeting will the management specify the retentions for the next edition of the league.
I think these four players will be retained – Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh further mentioned that Chennai Super Kings will retain five players. According to him, apart from MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja, the franchise will keep Rachin Ravindra and Matheesha Pathirana with them for the next edition of the league. He explained:
“I think these four players will be retained. Apart from them, we could also see Pathirana, who is an excellent bowler, kept in the team. And if an uncapped player is retained, there could be a surprise pick, but CSK will only can retain five players.
“So, in my opinion, the likely retentions are Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Pathirana.”