An examination of Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) retained players-based IPL 2025 auction strategy
Before the IPL 2025 auction, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) paid ₹65 crore to retain five players. Their auction approach will focus on addressing critical deficiencies in their squad with ₹55 crore left. Let’s examine the players that are retained and their areas of expertise before delving into their strategy:
Players Retained:
Gaikwad Ruturaj: A right-handed opener adept at countering spin, efficiently accelerating in the middle and death overs and anchoring innings. He is also the captain of the team.
Shivam Dube: A strong six-hitter against spin bowling, specializing at No. 4. He is able to handle pace deliveries off a decent length and also offers medium-pace bowling on a part-time basis but the impact player rule has diminished his bowling value.
Ravindra Jadeja: A good lower-to-middle-order batsman and a defensive white-ball spinner who can provide both bowling and batting depth to the team.
MS Dhoni: Renowned for his ability to finish, now focused on accelerating in the final overs. Still a wicketkeeping option despite age-related decline in abilities.
Pathirana Matheesha: A death-over specialist with a strong record over the past two seasons and accurate yorkers, though his consistency can possibly be an issue.
Possible starting lineup (as of right now):
- Gaikwad Ruturaj
- ?
- ?
- Shivam Dube
- ?
- MS Dhoni
- Jadeja Ravindra
- ?
- ?
- ?
- Pathirana Matheesha
Players to aim for:
Opener with wicketkeeping ability:
Devon Conway: A reliable opener and possible wicketkeeper after Dhoni, likely to be targeted by RTM.
Rahul Tripathi: A hitter with intent, adept at pace and spin, and experienced around Dhoni.
Ishan Kishan: Enhances Gaikwad’s spin expertise with explosive beginnings and wicketkeeping.
Phil Salt: Capable of wicketkeeping and aggressive against pace.
Jonny Bairstow: Despite being past his best, CSK values his versatility and experience.
Strong No. 3:
Rishabh Pant: A dependable player at number three who excells at wicketkeeping and pace management as well.
Josh Inglis: A promising young player, reliable as a wicketkeeper and powerful against pace.
Mitchell Marsh: A powerful batter providing bowling depth, perfect for dealing with short-pitched bowling.
Naman Dhir: A promising investment enhancing spin-attack who could also be excellent against pace.
Powerful No. 5 for spin support and middle overs:
David Miller: A dependable and seasoned player thriving in scenarios involving a lot of spin and pace.
KL Rahul: A versatile choice providing wicketkeeping and a potent middle-order player.
Jitesh Sharma: An affordable choice with both finishing and wicketkeeping prowess.Wicket-taking spinner to help Jadeja:
Yuzvendra Chahal: A skilled wicket-taker performing well on Chepauk fields.
Mahesh Theekshana: Likely to be retained due to his influence at CSK’s home ground.
Wanindu Hasaranga: Provides batting depth and wicket-taking capacity.
Rahul Chahar: A reasonably priced spinner who also has prior IPL experience.
Powerplay specialist bowler:
Tushar Deshpande: Likely to be retained with RTM due to his usefulness in powerplay.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Offers experience, swing and also control during death overs and powerplay both.
Rasikh Salam: Versatile in all phases and can also be efficient with the new ball.
Josh Hazlewood: Addresses CSK’s middle-over and powerplay issues.
Middle-overs enforcer and death-over specialist:
Gerald Coetzee: Quick, forceful and skilled in the death-overs.
Kagiso Rabada: Skillfully covers death overs and powerplay.
Anrich Nortje: A player with prior IPL experience, hard-hitting lengths and developing death-over abilities.
Simarjeet Singh: An affordable choice already accustomed to CSK’s setup.
An overview of CSK’s auction strategy:
CSK needs to fill the voids in their bowling and batting lineup both (No. 2, 3, and 5) with ₹55 crore while keeping in mind to concentrate on powerplay experts death-over enforcers, and a spinner for support. The key to building a competitive team for the 2025 Indian Premier League will be striking a balance between youthful, affordable potential.