Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, all teams are set to undergo a major overhaul as the mega auction will take place next month. The BCCI has rolled out the retention guidelines, and now the ball is in the team’s court to make the tricky decisions.
Each of the 10 IPL franchises can retain up to six cricketers, through the retention and Right To Match (RTM) option. These six retentions/RTMs can consist of a maximum of five capped players (both Indian and overseas) and up to two uncapped players. October 31 is the deadline for retentions ahead of the grand auction.
Meanwhile, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has listed out the players name that he thinks will feature in CSK’s retention roster.
According to Harbhajan Singh, the five-time champions will retain former skipper MS Dhoni, current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Rachin Ravindra, and pacer Matheesha Pathirana.
Although Harbhajan is uncertain about Dhoni's IPL future, he believes if the legendary wicketkeeper-batter makes himself available, he would undoubtedly be the top choice for retention by the Chennai-based franchise.
"I'm not certain if Dhoni will play or not, but if he's available, he would certainly be the team's first choice for retention, even if he is considered an uncapped player this season. Following him, the next pick would be Ravindra Jadeja, then Rachin Ravindra. As for the captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, he would also be a definite retention," Harbhajan told Star Sports.
"I believe these four players will be retained. Besides them, we could also see Pathirana, who is an excellent bowler, kept in the squad. And if an uncapped player is retained, there could be a surprise choice, but CSK may only retain five players. So in my view, the likely retentions — are Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Pathirana," he added.
The auction purse for the franchises has been set at INR 120 crore. The first three retentions will see the auction purse being reduced by Rs 18 crore, Rs 14 crore and Rs 11 crore, respectively. However, the two other additional retentions will cost more than the third. The fourth and the fifth retentions will see a reduction of Rs 18 crore and Rs 14 crore, respectively.
It means a team will see its auction purse reduced by a whopping Rs 75 crore on five players, with only Rs 45 crore left in its kitty for the mega auction.
