CHENNAI: It's a new start but Chennai Super Kings have decided to stick with their tried-and-tested formula of continuity as they retained Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana and MS Dhoni (uncapped).
Now, CSK are left with Rs 55 cr in the kitty and there are talks that they would like Rishabh Pant in their squad. But Punjab Kings along with Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be involved in the biggest fight for the superstar keeper.
It is unlikely that CSK will go upto Rs 25 cr because they have quite a few holes still to fill.
While a top-order Indian batter and an experienced paceman are in CSK's wishlist, one player they will certainly try to bring back is R Ashwin. The 38-year-old was part of CSK until 2015 before he moved on. But the spinner told TOI a couple of months ago that he nurtures the dream of playing once again for his old franchise, which gave him his first break in 2008.
Conway preferred RTM choice
Meanwhile, CSK's preferred Right To Match (RTM) choice will be New Zealander Devon Conway.
