As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction draws nearer, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan has shed light on their strategy, hinting at a possible shift in their approach. The four-time champions, known for their consistent performances, have a clear plan for the upcoming auction – prioritize retaining their core players. While this strategy ensures a familiar and experienced squad, it comes with a drawback – limited spending power for acquiring top Indian talent, including star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.
Speculation surrounding Pant’s future intensified after his cryptic social media post on October 12, hinting at a potential release from Delhi Capitals. This, coupled with his exclusion from their retention list, fueled rumors of a potential move to CSK. While Kasi did not completely dismiss the possibility of signing Pant, he acknowledged the financial constraints, emphasizing the team’s focus on maintaining its core lineup.
In a recent conversation with former CSK batter Ambati Rayudu on Provoke TV on November 9, Kasi elaborated on the team’s retention strategy. He explained that after extensive discussions with key figures, including captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, and coach Stephen Fleming, they decided to retain the players who have been instrumental in the team’s recent success.
The retained players include star names like Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana. While the team is focused on retaining this core group, Kasi acknowledged that their reduced purse would limit their ability to compete for top Indian players in the auction.
“If we retain these players, we would have a lesser purse to go into the auction,” Kasi explained. “We knew that we wouldn’t be able to compete with other teams when it comes to acquiring the best Indian talent. I mean, we will still try, but I don’t think we’ll be able to get them at the auction.”
The decision to prioritize core players over acquiring top Indian talent is a calculated risk for CSK. While it ensures a stable and familiar squad, it could potentially limit their ability to compete with other teams who have more financial flexibility. However, CSK has always been known for its shrewd strategizing and building a strong team within their budget. Only time will tell if their approach for the 2025 mega auction will pay off and help them secure another IPL title.
