Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that the five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will retain key players MS Dhoni, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Rachin Ravindra, as well as pacer Matheesha Pathirana ahead of the mega auction.
Although Harbhajan is uncertain about Dhoni's future in the Indian Premier League (IPL), he insists that if the former captain is available, he would undoubtedly be the top choice for retention by the Chennai-based franchise.
Each IPL franchise has the option to retain up to six players from their existing roster through either retention or the 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.
Harbhajan commented, "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.
Captain Gaikwad concluded the 2024 IPL season as the second-highest run-scorer, accumulating 583 runs, including a century and four fifties. Meanwhile, Jadeja and Pathirana were standout performers in terms of wicket-taking for the franchise.
"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.
For IPL 2025, the auction purse for franchises has been set at Rs 120 crore, and the deadline for finalising the retention list is October 31.
