Chennai Super Kings’ Strategy for IPL 2025 Mega Auction

In preparation for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have decided to retain their core group of players, prioritizing stability and strategic planning following their disappointing performance in the 2024 tournament. The franchise, known for its calm and calculated approach, enters the auction with a remaining budget of Rs 55 crore, after spending Rs 65 crore on key retentions.

Among the players retained, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja were each kept for Rs 18 crore, while Matheesha Pathirana and Shivam Dube were held for Rs 13 crore and Rs 12 crore, respectively. Notably, former captain MS Dhoni was retained as an uncapped player for Rs 4 crore, maintaining his status as the emotional leader of the team.

The team’s 2024 campaign was hampered by injuries and a leadership change, as MS Dhoni passed the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Despite not advancing to the playoffs, the franchise’s chief executive, Kasi Viswanathan, expressed confidence, emphasizing the team’s resilience and strategic foresight. «We are not going to win every year,» Viswanathan stated. «We had several injuries. But we would be absolutely fine going ahead.»

With the auction taking place in Jeddah on November 24 and 25, CSK aims to reinforce several areas. The team is on the lookout for an opening partner for Gaikwad, with a focus on adding both spin and fast bowling options. At the age of 43, Dhoni’s ability as a finisher is being reconsidered, prompting the need for a death-overs batting specialist.

Washington Sundar has emerged as a primary target for CSK, although acquiring the off-spinning all-rounder could prove costly due to expected high demand. As an alternative, the franchise is considering Ravichandran Ashwin, should Sundar be beyond their budget. Mohammed Shami is also on CSK’s radar, though financial limitations may restrict their bidding limit to Rs 15-16 crore for top-profile players.

Additionally, there is speculation about CSK’s interest in James Anderson, the veteran England fast bowler, who could serve in a dual capacity as player and mentor following Dwayne Bravo’s exit. Anderson’s base price at the auction stands at Rs 1.25 crore.

CSK is contemplating using their Right-to-Match (RTM) option for players they previously released, such as Rachin Ravindra, in a bid to reassemble a competitive squad. Other released players include Devon Conway, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Mahesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, and Sameer Rizvi.