IPL 2025: Rating teams based on their retentions and releases

4. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have managed to retain their iconic wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni for only INR 4 crore after the IPL Governing Council revived the Uncapped Player Rule ahead of this season. The rule allows Dhoni to play as an uncapped player and CSK the chance to have a bigger purse remaining to fill the remaining slots.

Apart from Dhoni, CSK have retained captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for INR 18 crore each. Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana and Shivam Dube have been retained for INR 13 crore and INR 12 crore, respectively. This leaves CSK with INR 55 crore at the auction.

The five-time champions finished at No. 5 last season after agonisingly missing out on the playoffs due to net run-rate (NRR). They have retained their core group and would want to bolster their side with the addition of some formidable players at the auction.

Chennai have always had a soft corner for all-rounders. Expect them to have an eye on some of them at the auction table. However, it was surprising to see them not retaining Devon Conway, who formed a brilliant understanding with Ruturaj at the top of the order over the past few seasons. Conway could have also taken over the wicketkeeping duties after Dhoni's retirement. CSK will have one RTM card available to them and they could bring back the New Zealander into their setup.