MS Dhoni set to be retained by CSK among four others

Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) poster boy MS Dhoni has been reported among the five retentions to be made by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auctions. Dhoni is among the joint-most successful captains in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history, and having him for yet another season, only as a player, will still be a blessing for the Men in Yellow.

Although the teams are allowed to retain up to six names, CSK are using only five retentions available, and thus, are expected to make use of one as an RTM (Right To Match) Option at the auction table, likely to happen in a month from now.

CSK to use 65 out of 120 crore for five retentions

One-season-old captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is set to be retained by the franchise, alongside star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Another all-rounder Shivam Dube followed by pacer Matheesha Pathirana are the remaining two retentions finalized by CSK, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

The same report also adds that although the amount to be allotted to each of the retained players is unknown, CSK is expected to spend at least INR 65 crore out of the total purse (INR 120 crore) available on their top five for the upcoming season. An official confirmation in the matter is expected to be made by Thursday, October 31.

Also Read: Reports: Kolkata Knight Riders set to release Andre Russell, Shreyas Iyer

It is understood that the October 31 deadline for naming retentions ahead of the mega auctions, and the franchises have nearly confirmed their names. Several other reports claiming different teams' retentions have surfaced already.

Earlier, The Times of India reported of separation between KL Rahul and Lucknow Super Giants, while another report claimed renaming of Virat Kohli as RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) skipper, meaning the team is parting ways with Proteas batter Faf du Plessis.

Speaking of defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the three-time winners may release champion captain Shreyas Iyer and Caribbean all-rounder Andre Russell, while keeping only Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, and either of Ramandeep Singh and Harshit Rana.