The Indian Premier League’s (IPL) most sought-after team is always the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Though it’s noteworthy to note that the team has won the title five times, they are always attacked for signing players who are older than thirty. Even though Chennai did not make it to the playoffs, its great captain, MS Dhoni, resigned from his position before of the 2024 Indian Premier League. Despite this setback, the team remained united on the pitch.
Dhoni is still CSK’s spokesperson and face. It’s uncertain, though, if the popular cricketer will play in the next IPL season. Officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have not yet decided how many players each franchise can keep and whether or not to reinstate the “Right To Match” (RTM) cards for the next major auction.
Chennai, however, is fond of the concept of a mega-auction. Given that several of its major players are in their mid- or post-30s, continuing with the same lineup for another cycle would have been risky, necessitating an overhaul. Which three cricket players do you think CSK should release before the next edition?
Here are the three players whom Chennai Super Kings may retain ahead of mega auction:
1. Rachin Ravindra
In no case will the BCCI permit any franchise to sign more than two foreign players. Rachin Ravindra will lag behind in that area. The New Zealand international was recruited by Chennai Super Kings for INR 1.8 crore following an incredible ODI World Cup in which he finished as the fourth-leading run scorer of the competition with 578 runs in 10 matches.
Although he had a great start to the competition, Ravindra was unable to maintain the pace. Due to the Impact Player Rule, which drastically reduced an all-round player’s workload, he scored 222 runs at a strike rate of 160.86 in 10 games but was not given much confidence when it came to the ball.
Matheesha Pathirana and one of Maheesh Theekshana or Daryl Mitchell are expected to stay with Chennai, but it all relies on the retention policies established by the BCCI. Rachin, who might not bring in a lot of money at the auction, can use the franchise’s RTM card, provided that’s permitted.
2. Ajinkya Rahane
In the IPL 2023, Ajinkya Rahane’s shot range and strike rate astounded the cricket community. Rahane scored 326 runs with a strike average of 172.48 in 11 innings during the competition. It also helped him secure a berth in the starting lineup, as the team decided to keep him for the following season.
Rahane did not, however, enter the same zone in 2024. Rahane scored 242 runs with a strike average of 123.46 during his 12 innings of action. It was insufficient, and considering that the cricket player is more collected and like to take his time settling in, it is unlikely that he would have another successful season in the competition.
In the next cycle, Chennai will probably look past him. The team is eager to form a team for the future, but at thirty-six, they are unable to place their trust in him.
3. Shardul Thakur
While playing for the Chennai Super Kings, Shardul Thakur gained notoriety. Unfortunately, because to restrictions, the franchise was unable to keep him before the 2022 IPL. He played one season for each of the Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals, but he was dismissed prior of the 2024 season since he was unable to have much of an effect.
To sign him at the auction, Chennai had to pay INR 4 crore. Nevertheless, Thakur was unable to leave his mark, thus the franchise would have to let him go. In his nine games for the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team in 2024, he only claimed five wickets at an economy rate of 9.75. Chennai can decide to explore for alternatives and not even buy him back.
Also Read: IPL2025: MS Dhoni and CSK will profit as the BCCI is likely to reinstate the previous retention policy
Because there was no prominent Indian pacer on the team, Thakur was able to take advantage of the situation, lock down a berth in the starting XI, and continue to be important to the Indian side. But he was poor with the bat and the ball, so he will need to put in a lot of work in the domestic league to establish himself.
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