IPL Auction 2025: Chennai Super Kings to go for 5 retentions; MS Dhoni's position downgraded

Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg revealed his retention for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) mega auction. Brad Hogg backed the rule that allows legendary MS Dhoni to be picked as an uncapped player for a lower price during the retention process.

The Chennai Super Kings often stick with their core squad over various editions of the Indian Premier League. As the mega-auction approaches, they face the challenge of only having six retention slots. It is expected that one of these slots will be used for "uncapped" MS Dhoni for the IPL 2025 season.

Chennai Super Kings get a jackpot from BCCI for MS Dhoni

The Chennai Super Kings have plenty of talent, and they have to make some tough decisions regarding player retention. Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, all ten franchises must finalize their retention lists by October 31. The mega auction is likely to take place later this year, possibly overseas.

MS Dhoni led Chennai Super Kings to victory in the IPL 2023 season and passed the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad for IPL 2024. Chennai Super Kings did not qualify for the playoffs after losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their final league match. The 43-year-old can be retained by the franchise as an uncapped player for Rs 4 crore.

MS Dhoni Can Be An Uncapped Player - Brad Hogg

In a video shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Brad Hogg discussed MS Dhoni's retention as an uncapped player for the upcoming season. Hogg noted that this rule benefits older players, allowing them to extend their careers with franchises that have supported them.

The former Australia bowler stated that Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Ravindra Jadeja will also be retained before the auction. Hogg emphasized that they can't release these players given their abilities.

"The IPL setting up a little rule so that MS Dhoni can be an uncapped player so they can pick him up a little cheaper. No, I think this is a good rule. Other teams will be able to utilize this in the future as well. Some might even be able to utilize it this year. And I think it's good that you're able to create that opportunity for older players to continue their career and continue their longevity in a franchise that has given them so much opportunity," Brad Hogg said.

"The other players that CSK are going to keep, Gaiwad to captain the team. Dube power hitting in the middle order, Jadeja with his left arm off-spin and lower-order batting, can't throw that away. And he's also versatile. We can come up in the top order as well when needed," he added.

I'd Keep Matheesha Pathirana - Brad Hogg

Brad Hogg also said that Chennai Super Kings should retain Matheesha Pathirana due to his exceptional skills in death-over bowling. Hogg added that Pathirana will attract bid wars if he's thrown back in the mega auction. He also said that either Deepak Chahar or Tushar Deshpande can be retained.

"And then I'd keep Pathirana as well. A lot of people will be thinking, why Pathirana? He's one of the best in the business when it comes to depth over bowling. I think he's worth a shot to keep," Hogg further stated.

"And I think if he's thrown back in the mega auction, the paddles will be flying high. And then I'd look at Deepak Chahar or Deshpande. If I was the coaching staff at the end of last year with the way that Deshpande bowled, I'd be saying, if you get yourself fit, mate, there's a spot for you in this retention phase."

Also read: IPL Auction 2025: Virat Kohli to captain Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)