NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have retained the core of their squad for the 2025 season and beyond, making strategic moves at the IPL Auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Among the highlights was the return of Ravichandran Ashwin after a decade, reuniting him with Ravindra Jadeja to strengthen their spin department. To add depth, they also secured Afghanistan's promising spinner Noor Ahmed.
The five-time IPL champions focused on domestic stalwarts whose IPL journeys have been under the radar. This group includes Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Deepak Hooda, and Shreyas Gopal, players with a wealth of domestic experience.
With an initial purse of Rs 120 crore available to each franchise before retentions, CSK spent Rs 65 crore to retain five players, including the "uncapped" Mahendra Singh Dhoni at Rs 4 crore.
The reintroduction of a key rule in the IPL Player Regulations enabled CSK to retain Dhoni. The rule states that any player who has not played international cricket or held a central contract for five years is classified as uncapped, allowing CSK to hold onto their iconic leader under favorable terms.
"I think we've got a really well balanced side, a good mix of some experience, of exciting young players. And sometimes you've just got to hold your nerve. We also knew it was going to be really competitive with a number of players that we wanted. So it's always a juggling act between going too far and being able to stop," head coach Stephen Fleming said on the CSK squad after the IPL mega auction.
CSK's Full List of Players Bought in IPL 2025 Auction: Names, Prices, and Key DetailsRuturaj Gaikwad (Retained)Shivam Dube (Retained)Ravindra Jadeja (Retained)Matheesha Pathirana (Retained)MS Dhoni (Retained)Devon Conway: 6.25 crore INRRahul Tripathi: 3.4 crore INRRachin Ravindra: 4 crore INRR Ashwin: 9.75 crore INRKhaleel Ahmed: 4.80 crore INRNoor Ahmed: 10 crore INRVijay Shankar: 1.20 crore INRSam Curran: 2.40 crore INRShaik Rasheed: 30 lakh INRAnshul Kamboj: 3.40 Crore INRMukesh Choudhary: 30 lakh INRDeepak Hooda: 1.70 crore INRGurjapneet Singh: 2.20 crore INRNathan Ellis: 2 Crore INRJamie Overton: 1.50 Crore INRKamlesh Nagarkoti: 30 Lakh INRRamakrishna Ghosh: 30 Lakh INRShreyas Gopal: 30 Lakh INRVansh Bedi: 55 Lakh INRAndre Siddharth: 30 Lakh INR
Full List of Retained Players of CSK
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Rs 18 crore)Shivam Dube (Rs 12 crore)Ravindra Jadeja (Rs 18 crore)Matheesha Pathirana (INR 13 crore) MS Dhoni (Rs 4 crore)
Full List of Released Players of CSK
1. Moeen Ali
2. Deepak Chahar
3. Tushar Deshpande
4. Rajvardhan Hangargekar
5. Ajay Mandal
6. Mukesh Choudhary
7. Ajinkya Rahane
8. Shaik Rasheed
9. Mitchell Santner
10. Simarjeet Singh
11. Nishant Sindhu
12. Prashant Solanki
13. Maheesh Theekshana
14. Rachin Ravindra
15. Shardul Thakur
16. Daryl Mitchell
17. Sameer Rizvi
18. Mustafizur Rahman
19. Richard Gleeson
20. Avanish Rao Aravelly
21. Devon Conway
Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the five-time IPL champions, have strategically built a well-rounded and dynamic squad for the IPL 2025 season, blending seasoned campaigners with emerging talent. The retention of core players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, and MS Dhoni highlights CSK’s commitment to stability and experience. With the re-introduction of the uncapped player rule, MS Dhoni, who has not played international cricket for five years, is eligible to be retained, ensuring his leadership continues to inspire the team.
The auction saw CSK making calculated moves to bolster their lineup, focusing on strengthening their bowling department and adding depth to the batting order. Big names like Ravichandran Ashwin, a familiar face after a decade-long hiatus, and Noor Ahmed, an exciting young talent, were brought in to support the bowling attack. This strategic signing of experienced campaigners, coupled with fresh faces like Devon Conway, who adds valuable firepower to the top order, positions CSK as a formidable side heading into IPL 2025.
The addition of versatile all-rounders like Sam Curran and Deepak Hooda enhances the squad’s flexibility and ability to adapt in various match situations, whether it’s chasing a big total or defending a modest one. Emerging talents like Shaik Rasheed and Gurjapneet Singh further add excitement to the team’s future prospects, making CSK’s squad even more versatile and well-balanced.
As the IPL 2025 season approaches, Chennai Super Kings are set to embark on another thrilling campaign under the leadership of MS Dhoni and newly appointed captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. With a blend of veterans and promising newcomers, CSK aims to reclaim the IPL title and continue their legacy of success. Fans are eagerly awaiting the thrilling journey ahead, hoping to see their beloved team lift the trophy once again.
Chennai Super Kings Full Squad, IPL 2025: Analysis and Probable Playing XI
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad for IPL 2025 reflects a meticulous blend of experience and youth, aimed at reclaiming their title-winning glory. With Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the side, the franchise has ensured stability by retaining core players like Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana. MS Dhoni’s continued presence as a retained player and team mentor adds immense value in terms of leadership and guidance.
CSK made strategic buys at the auction, including Rachin Ravindra and Noor Ahmed, to bolster their spin department, while the acquisition of Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda provides depth to the batting order. Sam Curran’s inclusion adds a dynamic all-rounder who can contribute in all departments of the game.
This balanced combination of seasoned campaigners and fresh talent positions CSK as strong contenders for IPL 2025. Below is a probable playing XI that brings together the best of their squad for various match scenarios.
RCB Team for IPL 2025, Probable Playing XI:
Frequently asked questions about Chennai Super Kings squad for IPL 2025
Who is the coach of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025?
Stephen Fleming is the coach of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025.
Who is the captain of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025?
Ruturaj Gaikwad is the captain of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025.
Who is the batting coach of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025?
Michael Hussey is the batting coach of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025.
