IPL 2025: 'MS Dhoni to be CSK's first retention': Harbhajan Singh reveals team's top 5 picks

Former India National Cricket Team player Harbhajan Singh predicted the retentions for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction. He feels that he isn't sure if MS Dhoni will play, but if he plays, the team will retain him.

The deadline to announce the list of retained and released players is around the corner. All 10 franchises will have to submit the list on 31st October. Each team can retain a maximum of 6 players including one uncapped player as well.

Chennai Super Kings will have a massive headache in picking 6 players

To retain 6 players will be a massive headache for some franchises, and retaining a few players among a squad filled with superstars will be a big headache. One such team would be Chennai Super Kings as they have a lot of match winners in the team.

Chennai Super Kings have likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, Mateehsa Theekshana, Devon Conway and Mustafizur Rahman in their ranks. To retain only 6 will require a huge homework from the management.

"I'm not certain if Dhoni will play or not, but if he's available, he would certainly be the team's first choice - Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh, while talking about the retentions for the Chennai Super Kings, said that if available, MS Dhoni will be the first retention. The former player of the team believes that apart from keeper-batter, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja will be the other two top retentions. He also feels that Gaikwad will captain the team. Speaking to Star Sports, Harbhajan Singh explained:

"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."

MS Dhoni hasn't confirmed about his availability as of yet for the IPL 2025. The keeper-batter reportedly was approached by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) officials for the same but he hasn't made any decision. The reports claimed that franchise officials would meet him either on the 29th or 30th of October. Only after the meeting, the management will finalize retentions for the next edition of the league.

I believe these four players will be retained - Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh further mentioned that Chennai Super Kings will retain five players. According to him, apart from MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ravindra Jadeja, the franchise will keep Rachin Ravindra and Matheesha Pathirana with them for the next edition of the league. He explained:

"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."