What could be the six retention/RTM strategies of CSK? Check the 6 players that can fall under CSK’s retention scheme ft. MS Dhoni

The rules and policies for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 have been released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The much-awaited retention policies are out, and as per the Board, a maximum of five retentions are allowed for the capped players and two for the uncapped players. A team can have a total of six retentions. Now, uncapped player retention is for the players who haven't played any international match in five years. 

The salary for these players will be INR 4 crores, and franchises can retain a maximum of just two uncapped players. This news might have satisfied the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise and fan base since they can now retain MS Dhoni under the category of uncapped players. Meanwhile, teams like Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants can go for uncapped players who haven't represented India yet. But CSK will take full advantage of this rule and retain their best players, including MS Dhoni. 

On that note, let's take a look at the six players who CSK can retain in the upcoming mega auction:

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad will be the first player to be retained by CSK, considering what he has done for the team. Moreover, MS passed on the baton to him, so the franchise trusts him and will not let him go. Gaikwad is a classic batter and a critical thinker, which makes him a good captain after MSD, and CSK needs someone like that. 

2. Ravindra Jadeja

Another brilliant player for CSK is Ravindra Jadeja, who has been with the team for over a decade. Jadeja's contribution to the team as a bowler and a batter is immense. Plus, he's the best fielder in the team. He got to captain the team in 2022, and CSK finished in the second-last position. Even though he couldn't prove his worth as a skipper, he is undoubtedly one of the best all-rounders in the IPL. Hence, he will be CSK's 2nd retention. 

3. Deepak Chahar

Deepak Chahar has proved his worth in the IPL tournament with his fantastic bowling skills. He is a perfect new ball bowler for CSK and gets important breakthroughs in the powerplays. His injuries are the only reason of worry for CSK, or else he's a brilliant bowler. Apart from that, he can also bat down the order, so it will be a win-win for CSK if they retain him. 

4. Devon Conway

Opener Devon Conway has impressed the fans and the franchise with his solid batting performance in the IPL 2023. He, along with skipper Gaikwad opened the innings for the team and wreaked havoc on the opponent team's bowlers. Conway did really well in the 2023 season, helping CSK win the finals. He had to miss the IPL 2024 due to injury, CSK also felt his absence during the entire season, and it was pretty evident. Hence, they will definitely retain him in the mega auction. 

5. Matheesha Pathirana

The young Sri Lankan bowler Matheesha Pathirana has been incredible with the team, and his amazing variations in the bowling department. He comes in when the ball becomes old and delivers yorkers which are unplayable. The CSK franchise will definitely retain Pathirana ahead of the IPL 2025. 

6. MS Dhoni (Uncapped Player)

CSK had been finding a way to keep MS Dhoni on the team, and they got it in the form of an uncapped player retention policy. Now, there can be some possibilities of Dhoni playing for some more years and entertain his fans. But it's quite uncertain whether Dhoni wants to play or not, considering his health and fitness. However, the franchise will now plan to retain him since they have gotten a chance to do so.