The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are preparing for the IPL 2025 mega auction with one special tool: the Right-To-Match (RTM) card. This card allows them to bring back a player from their previous squad if another team buys him in the auction. As five-time IPL champions, CSK has already kept five key players before the auction. These are captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, and MS Dhoni.
Retained Players and Auction Budget
CSK has a solid group of players going into the IPL 2025 auction. They’ve held onto some of their top stars, with Gaikwad and Jadeja each being kept for INR 18 crores, while Pathirana was retained for INR 13 crores, and Dube for INR 12 crores. Interestingly, MS Dhoni was retained for only INR 4 crores due to a rule that allows teams to keep uncapped players at a lower price.
With INR 55 crores left in their purse, CSK has a good budget to work with. The RTM card gives them the chance to bring back a player from their past squad if needed. Let’s look at three players CSK might use this RTM card on during the auction.
1. Devon Conway
Devon Conway is likely to be CSK’s top pick for the RTM card. CSK is known for keeping their squads stable and relying on strong overseas openers, such as Matthew Hayden, Mike Hussey, and Shane Watson. Conway fits into this tradition perfectly.
In two IPL seasons with CSK, Conway scored 924 runs in 22 innings at an impressive average of 48, including nine half-centuries. He was a key player in CSK’s 2023 title win. Unfortunately, Conway missed the 2024 season due to a thumb injury, which impacted CSK’s chances as they failed to qualify for the playoffs. CSK might be eager to get him back in their team during the auction.
2. Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra is one of the most promising young players in world cricket. He performed brilliantly in India during the 2023 World Cup, scoring 578 runs. In IPL 2024, Ravindra hit 222 runs in 10 matches at a high strike rate of 160, showing his aggressive style of play.
Apart from his batting skills, Ravindra is also a skilled left-arm spinner, with 55 T20 wickets at an economy rate of 7.07. His all-round abilities, calm attitude, and youth (he’s just 24 years old) make him a perfect fit for CSK. They might use their RTM card on him and build their future team around this talented player.
3. Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar has been a key player for CSK in the past. In the 2022 mega auction, CSK spent INR 14 crores to secure him, making him their most expensive Indian buy ever. Chahar is known for taking wickets in the powerplay and can also hit a few big shots with the bat.
However, injuries have affected Chahar’s performances over the last three years. He missed the entire 2022 season and played only 18 matches combined in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Despite his injury issues, Chahar has continued to show his skills, recently taking a five-wicket haul in a Ranji Trophy match. Given his long association with the team, CSK might want to bring him back using the RTM card.
Summary
CSK will be smart in using their RTM card in the 2025 auction. Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Deepak Chahar are three strong options for them to consider. With these players, CSK could build a well-rounded team that can compete for another IPL title.
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