CSK will retain MS Dhoni in uncapped category. Photo: BCCI
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have reportedly inked on their five retentions before the IPL 2025 mega-auction. The Times of India has reported that the Yellow Army will retain MS Dhoni in the uncapped category and he will have a salary of Rs 4 crore. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja will also stay with the franchise.
The BCCI brought back the uncapped player's rule, which allows a team to retain an Indian player who hasn't played international cricket for five years in the uncapped category. Dhoni played his last game for India in July 2019 before retiring in August 2020.
The rule was in existence from IPL 2008 to 2021 before getting scrapped. It was reportedly discussed during the BCCI's meeting with the owners in July. Dhoni captained CSK to five title wins before stepping down. He handed over the charge to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Ruturaj, who will reportedly stay with CSK, looks all but set to continue as the captain. The opening batsman is CSK's homegrown player and he came into national contention following his success with the franchise.
He joined CSK in 2019 and made his IPL debut in 2020. Ruturaj won the Orange Cap next year and played a key role in CSK's title win. He captained Team India to a gold medal win in the 2023 Asia Cup and became CSK's captain in 2024.
Jadeja will also continue his association with CSK. The star all-rounder has always been retained by the franchise. Before IPL 2023, there were rumours of him leaving the team but he stayed at CSK despite getting sacked from captaincy. Jadeja captained CSK in 8 matches in IPL 2022 before being sacked.
The TOI report adds that CSK will also retain Shivam Dube and Matheesha Pathirana. Dube is known for his big-hitting skills whereas Pathirana has emerged as one of the best white-ball bowlers. The teams have to submit their retention list to the BCCI by October 31.
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