Aakash Chopra, the former opener for India, spoke out over the Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) retention choices prior to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction. He spoke specifically about the controversy surrounding Ravindra Jadeja‘s INR 18 crore price tag.
Five players have been retained by the five-time champions: MS Dhoni (INR 4 crore), Ruturaj Gaikwad (INR 18 crore), Ravindra Jadeja (INR 18 crore), Matheesha Pathirana (INR 13 crore), and Shivam Dube (INR 12 crore). They now have INR 55 crore in cash for the next big auction as a result. Chopra expressed his opinions on the controversy surrounding Jadeja’s retention worth as well.
“Jadeja’s T20 numbers aren’t amazing, so there was a question over whether he is pricey. He has contributed much, even if you look at Chennai, but not enough to warrant an 18-crore investment. He is a crucial member of Chennai’s team, though,” Chopra stated on his YouTube page.
“The goal of Chennai is to preserve their family unit. Sometimes you won’t obtain this skill set, and it’s more than just the money. There is Axar Patel, who has been retained already. After that, you can find Mushir Khan or Krunal Pandya, but they are not as good. I think it was the right choice to keep Jadeja,” he added.
They’ve managed to secure eight bowling overs: Aakash Chopra
The IPL 2024 season saw Ravindra Jadeja take eight wickets at an economy rate of 7.85 and contribute 267 runs with a strike rate of 142.78. With 583 runs at a strike rate of 141.16, Gaikwad finished as the second-highest run scorer, justifying his price tag. He was retained for the same.
Important components of CSK’s strategy have been secured thanks to their retentions, the former Indian cricket player added. The batting order is made up of Dhoni’s finishing skills (161 runs at a stunning 220.54), Dube’s six-hitting talent (396 runs at a strike rate of 162.29 in 2024), and Gaikwad opening.
“Eight bowling overs have been achieved. There are four overs of Ravindra Jadeja, who will be bowled in the middle overs, and four overs of Matheesha Pathirana, who is
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the absolute gold dust. Neither the new nor the old ball is used to bowl them. By the 13th or 14th over, his quota is complete,” Chopra said.
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