CSK IPL 2025 Retention List: Who Could Be Chennai's Most Expensive Retained Player?

CSK IPL 2025 Retention List [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

Building an unforgettable legacy in sports requires persistence, vision, and a dash of genius, much like life. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have epitomised this philosophy by creating a legacy that stands tall in IPL history. With five titles to their name, they’ve been the epitome of success.

But as the saying goes even, ‘the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.’ Despite the Men in Yellow’s rich history, CSK faltered in IPL 2024 as they finished fifth with a mixed bag of seven wins and seven losses. The season commenced with a change of guard with MS Dhoni officially stepping aside from the captain’s role as he passed the mantle to a new skipper.

As the IPL 2025 auction approaches, CSK finds itself at a critical point. Their focus will be on retaining key players while looking toward the future. At the centre of this strategy is one man—Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Ruturaj Gaikwad: CSK’s Potential Top Retention Before IPL 2025

‘Leaders are not born, they are made,’ and Ruturaj Gaikwad is the perfect example of this saying. The young cricketer from Maharashtra has grown from strength to strength.

Last season saw Gaikwad being thrust into the captain’s role after Dhoni relinquished captaincy. While CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs, Gaikwad’s leadership garnered widespread acclaim. Calm under pressure, calculated in his approach, and with a cricketing brain moulded by Dhoni himself, Gaikwad is set to take CSK forward into a new era.

From the moment Gaikwad started playing for CSK in 2020, he’s been nothing short of impressive. He’s shown he can handle all kinds of conditions, especially the slow, turning tracks at Chepauk. Gaikwad has scored 633 runs in T20Is, averaging 39.56, which proves he’s not just a one-season wonder.

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Why Should Ruturaj Gaikwad Be CSK’s Most Expensive Retained Player?

First and foremost, his ability to anchor an innings is second to none. In the T20 format, where explosive power-hitters often grab the headlines, Gaikwad offers something different—stability. On the slow, spin-friendly tracks at Chepauk, this is a priceless trait. 

Gaikwad knows how to pace his innings, staying steady when the team needs him and shifting gears whenever required. His leadership skills are already starting to show. He’s still young, but he’s proven he can handle the pressure of captaincy. After learning from Dhoni—one of the best captains ever—Gaikwad is ready to take CSK forward.

It’s not just about scoring runs; he’s also learning to make smart decisions, manage the team, and handle the big expectations that come with leading CSK. The yellow Brigade love him for his humble nature and dedication. He’s becoming the face of the team, just like Dhoni once was.

Keeping Gaikwad as CSK’s top retention pick isn't just about the next season. It’s about planning for the long run. ‘You get out what you put in,’ and investing in Gaikwad now could be the start of another successful era for CSK.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s CSK Career So Far

His IPL career tells an even better story—2380 runs across 66 matches at an average of 41.75. These numbers show how he’s grown from a promising youngster to a dependable leader.

Right now, Gaikwad’s IPL salary is INR 6 crore, but that’s likely to change soon. With him leading CSK and consistently performing well, the franchise will look to make him the first retention, which will catapult his salary to a massive INR 18 crore.

IPL Retentions 2025: CSK's Other Possible Retained Players

Apart from Gaikwad, CSK has some big decisions to make about their other retention picks. The team's core has always been a solid mix of experienced players and rising stars. Here’s a look at who else might stay with CSK for IPL 2025:

Retaining Ravindra Jadeja as the second-pick is a no-brainer. He’s been one of their most consistent performers with the bat, ball, and in the field. With a retention value of INR 14 crore, it’s hard to see CSK letting him go. Shivam Dube has also made a strong case. His big hits in the middle order, especially in the death overs, have boosted CSK’s batting. Retaining him at INR 11 crore seems like a smart move.

Then there’s Matheesha Pathirana, whose Malinga-like bowling has impressed everyone. His deadly yorkers and slower balls make him an important part of CSK’s plans, so keeping him for INR 14 crore makes sense. 

And even though MS Dhoni may not be leading the side anymore, his presence is still massive. CSK will surely keep him as an uncapped player for INR 4 crore, as it would add stability and keep the fans happy. After all, ‘Thala’ will always be special to CSK.

CSK's IPL 2025 Retention: Conclusion

CSK’s plan for IPL 2025 will be all about keeping an eye on the future while holding on to the key players who’ve brought them success in the past. Ruturaj Gaikwad will definitely their top pick, not just for his performances but also for what he brings as a leader. 

He’s the one who can guide CSK into their next chapter. Along with Jadeja, Dube, Pathirana, and Dhoni, CSK will look to maintain a good combination of young talent and experienced players.

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