IPL 2025 Retention: CSK Released Players OFFICIAL List on Deadline Day, featuring Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Devon Conway

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made bold moves in their squad retention strategy for IPL 2025, releasing a mix of experienced names and emerging talents while five players were retained, including fan favourite MS Dhoni.

Among the major names that were let go, included some of the mainstays of CSK bowling line-up and overseas stars. Let's take a look at the complete list of CSK's released players below:

CSK List of Players Released

• Moeen Ali (England) - ₹8,00,00,000 (Last year's salary)
• Deepak Chahar - ₹14,00,00,000
• Mitchell Santner (New Zealand) - ₹1,90,00,000
• Rajvardhan Hangargekar - ₹1,50,00,000
• Prashant Solanki - ₹1,20,00,000
• Devon Conway (New Zealand) - ₹1,00,00,000
• Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka) - ₹70,00,000
• Tushar Deshpande - ₹20,00,000
• Simarjeet Singh - ₹20,00,000
• Mukesh Choudhary - ₹20,00,000
• Nishant Sindhu - ₹60,00,000
• Ajinkya Rahane - ₹50,00,000
• Ajay Mandal - ₹20,00,000
• Shaik Rasheed - ₹20,00,000
• Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand) - ₹14,00,00,000
• Shardul Thakur - ₹4,00,00,000
• Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand) - ₹1,80,00,000
• Sameer Rizvi - ₹8,40,00,000
• Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh) - ₹2,00,00,000
• Avanish Rao Aravelly - ₹20,00,000

Letting go of these players, especially experienced hands like Chahar and Moeen Ali, suggests that CSK is willing to sacrifice some consistency for new talent and flexibility.

List of Players Retained

Despite releasing prominent players, CSK has retained a core that they see as essential for maintaining their competitive edge:

• Ruturaj Gaikwad - ₹18 crore
• Ravindra Jadeja - ₹18 crore
• Matheesha Pathirana - ₹13 crore
• Shivam Dube - ₹12 crore
• MS Dhoni - ₹4 crore (uncapped player rule)

Retaining MS Dhoni at an uncapped rate is a strategic win, preserving his leadership at a lower cost. The commitment to Gaikwad and Pathirana reflects CSK’s focus on players with long-term potential.

Remaining Budget

After these retentions, CSK has committed ₹65 crore of their ₹120 crore purse, leaving them with approximately ₹55 crore for the IPL 2025 mega auction. This budget provides room for strategic acquisitions while ensuring core stability. CSK will also have the option to retain one of their players at the IPL Auction next month using Right To Match card and may target Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra or Daryl Mitchell, given their impact for the franchise last season.

CSK’s decisions indicate a vision that balances leadership with fresh potential. By prioritizing emerging talents alongside veterans, CSK prepares to evolve while preserving its identity. This blend of experience and youth leaves them in a strong position to target key players in the auction and further solidify their squad for IPL 2025.