The IPL sides have been strategizing their next big moves after the BCCI and IPL made the retention rules official. Right before the Mega Auction in 2025, the cricket franchises have been planning out on which played they need to keep and whom to let go of from the side. The 2025 Auction will be huge as a humongous shake-up is expected to happen. Amid the excitement over the retentions, a former CSK star has offered his take on the Chennai Super Kings ‘ list of retained players. He also spoke out on the possibility of MS Dhoni ‘s return in the IPL 2025 season.

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Former CSK Star Predicts IPL Franchise’s Retention Strategy, Also Speaks On MS Dhoni’s Future 

While speaking in an interview with Star Sports, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh offered his take on the possible retention strategy of the Chennai Super Kings. One of their key concerns would be MS Dhoni’s availability, as the former India wicketkeeper-batter continues to maintain radio silence on the matter. Even the former India spinner is clueless about MSD’s future, but if he makes himself available, he will be the team’s first choice of retention.

“I’m not certain if Dhoni will play or not, but if he’s available, he would undoubtedly be the team’s first retention choice, even if he’s considered an uncapped player this season,” Harbhajan Singh said.

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Harbhajan added that captain Ruturaj Gaikwad will be an obvious choice, with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and NZ star Rachin Ravindra being the important additions after MS Dhoni. The former spinner went on to say that Matheesha Pathirana could also be the one the CSK would be retained as he has been an exceptional bowler. The former CSK star also expressed that the uncapped player could be a surprise pick, but they could likely keep the aforementioned five players in the squad.  

“I believe these four players will be retained. Besides them, we could also see Pathirana, an excellent bowler, remain in the squad. If an uncapped player is retained, there could be a surprise choice, though it’s possible CSK will retain only five players. In my view, the likely retentions are Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Pathirana,” Harbhajan added.