The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are preparing for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, aiming for a comeback after a season in which they fell short of the playoffs. The team is focused on redemption in the upcoming campaign.
Ahead of the auction, CSK has retained five players, including captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as their most valuable picks, followed by Matheesha Pathirana and Shivam Dube. Former captain MS Dhoni has also been retained as an “uncapped” player.
As is typical for Chennai, they are likely to target bringing back as many of their former players as possible. However, with only one RTM card remaining, the question is: which players could they look to secure?
Here are the top three RTM candidates for CSK at the IPL 2025 auction:
#1 Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra had an up-and-down season in IPL 2024, but he showcased glimpses of his immense potential. After starting with some quick-fire cameos, he lost form and was dropped from the team, only to make a vital contribution in the final match against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Ravindra has already made significant progress in international cricket and is a key player for New Zealand across all formats. As a strong player of spin, the left-hander is well-suited to Chennai’s home conditions.
Additionally, he provides a handy bowling option and is a dynamic fielder. Ravindra should be one of CSK’s top priorities in the IPL 2025 auction.
#2 Sameer Rizvi
CSK successfully beat out the Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals to secure Sameer Rizvi at the IPL 2024 auction, signing the promising young batter for ₹8.4 crore.
However, Chennai was cautious about placing too much pressure on the newcomer, and he played a limited role throughout the season. Rizvi batted five times but never had the opportunity for a long stay at the crease.
Despite this, he displayed moments of brilliance, including hitting back-to-back sixes off Rashid Khan. A strong player against spin with great potential, Rizvi is likely to be a key target for CSK in the IPL 2025 auction.
#3 Tushar Deshpande
Tushar Deshpande may not be the most consistent bowler, but he has stepped up when needed, playing a crucial role for the Men in Yellow. Assigned to bowl during the powerplay and at the death, the fast bowler has been an important part of CSK’s bowling attack over the past two IPL seasons.
Indian pacers are expected to be in high demand at the auction, and Deshpande, as one of the few bowlers in the country capable of consistently bowling above 140 kph, will attract interest from multiple teams. With his best years ahead of him and the rarity of his skillset, CSK should consider bringing him back.
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