IPL 2025 Retention: CSK May Release Star All-Rounder to Keep Funds For Rishabh Pant at Auction - Report

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is reportedly ready to release star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja on retention deadline day as the five-time champions aim to go all out to bring in Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction.

After rumours of Pant probably being released by Delhi Capitals get louder, CSK feel they can finally plan for life after their veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mahendra Singh Dhoni by landing the Delhi stumper.

Pant is set to be released into the auction by Delhi Capitals, ending his 8-year stint with the Delhi-based franchise, who roped him in 2016 on the back of his appearance for the India Under-19 team.

Pant's release will have several franchises interested in acquiring his services. There is one franchise, who has been making plans along with their most successful captain Dhoni on how to bring the wicketkeeper-batter into the squad from IPL 2025.

According to a report by the Indian Express, the Chennai-based franchise is keen on bringing Pant to the team and may be making some late changes to their retention strategy.

The report added that CSK is likely to retain skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana and Dhoni, but their plans may have changed for Jadeja. The Chennai Super Kings may look at releasing Jadeja and using the Right to Match card to buy him back in the big auction.

Jadeja was the top retention for CSK at Rs 16 Crore ahead of IPL 2022 Mega Auction. But, the all-rounder's limitations with the bat in T20s and his retirement from the format on the international stage, puts him down the pecking order in CSK's retention plans.

The Indian Express report also adds that CSK is aware that more than Rs 20 Crore would be needed for Pant, and releasing Jadeja, who would cost Rs 18 Crore if retained, will keep them in a good position in terms of purse going into the auction.

There is still every chance Jadeja is retained due to the franchises loyalty to their players. He could be retained for a lower fee. But using RTM also can't be ruled out at this stage. CSK did the same with Faf Du Plessis and Dwayne Bravo in 2018, when they bought back the legends for a lower price.

Why CSK want Rishabh Pant?

The Chennai-based side won five IPL titles under the captaincy of Dhoni, who is very likely playing his final few seasons of the Indian Premier League. So, CSK may be planning for life after Dhoni by planning to bring in Pant.

Who is likely to be CSK's competitor for Pant at IPL Mega Auction 2025?

CSK is also aware that there will be a bidding war for Pant at the big auction with the likes of Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru also in the mix for a player of his calibre.

Pant, primarily a wicketkeeper-batter, is also capable of leading teams. Captaincy is something he may not find at CSK, but his rapport with Dhoni and a future opportunity to lead the team could see him inclining towards a move south.

There are also reports that Pant could be heading to Punjab Kings, who will be heading into the auction with the biggest purse. PBKS could be the ones splashing big on the 27-year-old Indian wicketkeeper.