According to Aakash Chopra, the Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) decision to keep MS Dhoni would be determined by whether the former franchise captain considers it a financially feasible alternative. Chopra feels the experienced wicketkeeper-batsman would not bid in the auction if he is not retained.
MS Dhoni scored 161 runs with a strike rate of 220.54 in 11 innings in IPL 2024. However, he was disqualified at an unfortunate time in the last league game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), causing CSK to lose the playoffs.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra stated that Dhoni’s ideas will determine his future with CSK and the IPL.
“Dhoni’s simple story is that if he wants to stay, he will stay. However, he might think that the money will be wasted if he stays here for three years and there could be problems in retention as eight to 10 crores should be spent on him, but then those won’t be available when you go to the auction.”
“I am not 100 percent certain whether Dhoni will be retained or not. It’s almost guaranteed he won’t go into the auction but will he be retained, will he play, we really don’t know right now.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra identified Ruturaj Gaikwad as the first player the Chennai-based team should keep.
“Let’s start with the captain, the prince of this team – Ruturaj. You have to retain him. He is the captain, he is consistent, scored runs this year as well, and you want to invest in him. This team has played under very limited captains. So Ruturaj Gaikwad will be my first retention.”
Aakash Chopra
Gaikwad was CSK’s leading run scorer in IPL 2024. In 14 innings, the right-handed opener scored 583 runs with a strike rate of 141.16 and an average of 53.00.
“Will you get a player with that skill set again?” – Aakash Chopra on Ravindra Jadeja as a potential retention for CSK
Aakash Chopra strongly anticipates that CSK will opt to retain Ravindra Jadeja despite the allrounders disappointing season showcasing subpar performances with both the bat and ball.
“I am personally not very impressed and happy with Ravindra Jadeja’s performance for the simple reason that his strike rate hasn’t been great in batting. We expected more sixes and wickets from him. However, will you get a player with that skill set again? This team goes a lot with loyalty. So Ravindra Jadeja might be the second player in the retention list.”
Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator identified Matheesha Pathirana and Devon Conway as potential foreign retainers for the five-time winners.
“The third player should be Matheesha Pathirana. You won’t get a guy like Pathirana again and you want to keep him with you. He is brilliant in all conditions. They might retain Devon Conway because he has consistently done well for them. If they retain him for a decent sum, he can be a long-term prospect.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra believes Deepak Chahar is being considered by CSK as a potential retention option. However, he warned that the all-rounder’s injury issues might work against him.
