IPL auction prediction: Will CSK target Rishabh Pant with Rs 55 crore-purse?

New Delhi,UPDATED: Nov 15, 2024 12:28 IST

The Chennai Super Kings have been among the smartest teams in the Indian Premier League when it comes to cracking the auction dynamics. But with a transition period setting in, the Super Kings will be keen on getting it right on the auction table in Jeddah on November 24 and 25.

All eyes were on MS Dhoni in the lead-up to the retention deadline as speculation was rife about his future in the IPL. However, with the uncapped player rule returning to the IPL, Dhoni was retained by CSK for Rs 4 crore. The former World Cup-winning captain was retained as an uncapped player (a rule that allows a cricketer who has not played for India in the last five years to be treated as uncapped).

There weren't a lot of surprises in CSK's retentions. They spent more than half their purse on retaining five players ahead of the mega auction.

CSK'S RETENTION FOR IPL 2025

Retentions: Ruturaj Gaikwad (18), MS Dhoni (4), Ravindra Jadeja (18), Shivam Dube (12), Matheesha Pathirana (13).

Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja were retained for Rs 18 crore each as the Super Kings trusted two of their big names to deliver in the coming years. Spin destroyer Shivam Dube got, the backing too, while fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana was retained for Rs 13 crore.

Players Released by CSK

Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ajay Mandal, Mukesh Choudhary, Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Mitchell Santner, Simarjeet Singh, Nishant Sindhu, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, Mustafizur Rahman, Richard Gleeson, Avanish Rao Aravelly, Devon Conway

THE MS DHONI FACTOR IN IPL AUCTION

It will be interesting to see how CSK's auction dynamics pan out in Jeddah. A lot will depend on how much longer MS Dhoni will want to play for the franchise. If Dhoni has decided that 2025 would be his farewell, CSK will look to go for a wicketkeeper, preferably Indian, to secure their future.

Rishabh Pant was linked to the Super Kings after Delhi Capitals released him in a surprise decision on the retention deadline day. Pant's cryptic tweet and his association with Dhoni over the years fuelled the speculation.

However, Pant is expected to be one of the biggest buys in the auction and CSK might not have the purse to push for the wicketkeeper-batter if teams like Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru go hard for him with their purses of Rs 110.5 crore and Rs 83 crore, respectively.

Also Read: Which players can KKR target with Rs 51 crore budget?

CSK POSSIBLE COMBINATION

The Super Kings are known for stability and it won't be a surprise if they look to buy back most of their players.

Here's how a potential playing XI might look for CSK.

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad

2. Overseas opener/back-up wicketkeeper

3. Indian No. 3

4. Shivam Dube

5. Overseas batter/all-rounder

6. Ravindra Jadeja

7. MS Dhoni (wicketkeeper)

8. Overseas finisher/all-rounder

9. Indian pacer

10. Indian pacer/spinner

11. Matheesha Pathirana

Solid Opening Partner for Ruturaj Gaikwad

CSK have always been blessed with top-quality opening combinations. From Matthew Hayden, Michael Hussey, Brendon McCullum, Dwayne Smith, Faf du Plessis and Devon Conway, CSK have had the luxury of high-quality overseas openers, who have done well for the team. CSK will be keen on buying an overseas opener to compliment captain Ruturaj.

CSK will be tempted to bring back Devon Conway and he might be available for a reasonable price at the auction. If CSK aren't able to get Conway, bringing back Faf du Plessis might not be a bad option despite the dip in form of the South African great.

AJINKYA RAHANE OR HIS REPLACEMENT?

CSK will have to look at a replacement for Ajinkya Rahane at the No. 3 spot. Don't be surprised if CSK back Rahane for another cycle, but they might want to look a younger talent.

Sameer Rizvi, who showed sparks of brilliance last season, might be backed to play higher-up the order if they buy him back. It is unlikely that CSK will scout a young talent and back him for the crucial spot in the line-up.

HUNT FOR ALL-ROUNDERS

CSK have backed all-rounders to get the job done for them over the years. It will be interesting to see if they place faith in Moeen Ali, especially after the sporadic opportunities he got last season. CSK have lacked an overseas pace-bowling all-rounder since Dwayne Bravo's exit. With a couple of big names back in the market, the Super Kings might target them.

Will CSK go for Marcus Stoinis, one of the proven talents in the market? Keep in mind, the Australian star hit a hundred at Chepauk last year and dented their hopes of qualifying for the playoffs. Marco Jansen, who has been in fine form with both ball and bat, might be an option too.

Rachin Ravindra, who was the star of New Zealand's historic Test series win in October-November, might be high on their priority list of players whom they are looking to buy back.

Given Stephen Fleming's liking for New Zealand players, Glenn Phillips, who has improved as a spin-bowling all-rounder, might be on their radar.

Daryl Mitchell did not do well last year, but CSK might back him for another cycle, especially if he doesn't cost them more than Rs 7-10 crore.

A WRIST-SPINNER?

Will CSK go for Wanindu Hasaranga and back him to be a proper all-rounder? Not a bad idea, right?

The Super Kings struggled a bit when their finger spinners, including Ravindra Jadeja and Mahesh Theekshana, were leaking runs last year. Will the Super Kings look to buy a leggie in the auction? A young, but proven talent like Rahul Chahar might be a good fit.

Yuzvendra Chahal? No, right? He might not fit their budget.

FAMILIAR PACE SET-UP?

CSK will more than happy if they are able to get Mustafizur Rahman as cheaply as they got last time. The left-arm pacer from Bangladesh was a hit last season and will be in demand this year.

Will they go for tall New Zealand pacer Will O'Rourke? Well, Stephen Fleming might already have added him to the wishlist.

Yes, Tushar Deshpande will be high on CSK priority list. CSK will also look at buying back Deepak Chahar. The Rajasthan pacer even said earlier this month that he is confident of wearing yellow again.

The Super Kings will also be keen on bringing back Mukesh Choudhary, whom they have backed through injury-ridden years in the recent past. It will be interesting to see if CSK retain faith in Shardul Thakur, considering pace-bowling all-rounders are still a rare commodity in India.

CSK IPL AUCTION: PREDICTED TOP 5 TARGETS

Devon Conway

Marus Stoinis

Rachin Ravindra

Mustafizur Rahman

Rahul Chahar

CSK: PREDICTED FIRST XI AFTER IPL MEGA AUCTION

Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Devon Conway, Sameer Rizvi/Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Marcus Stoinis, Ravindra Jadeja, Glenn Phillips, MS Dhoni (wk), Rahul Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana.