IPL retention: CSK certain of retaining these three stars, suspense on MS Dhoni's future remains

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IPL retention: As the teams wait for retention guidelines from the BCCI, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have zeroed down on three players who will be their top retention picks.

CSK are set to retain their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Sri Lanka pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana. However, the suspense on the future of their 43-year-old captain MS Dhoni remains.

Dhoni is yet to make a call on his career after CSK failed to make it to the playoffs last season. He played the entire season with a niggle in his leg, and came out to face the final few deliveries of his team's innings. He scored 161 runs off the 73 deliveries in 11 innings at his career best IPL strike rate of 220.55.

It is understood that both Dhoni and CSK are waiting for the guidelines on retention ahead of the IPL 2025. Latest reports have emerged that teams would be allowed to retain a total of five players, and there would be no Right To Match (RTM) option in the mega auction.

In case five players are allowed to be retained, CSK can retain Dhoni as the fifth-choice player which will then come under the lowest pay category. Also, in the meeting between the franchise owners and the BCCI in August, there were discussions about bringing back the rule which will allow teams to retain players who retired from international cricket five years ago in the uncapped category

CSK reach agreement with Pathirana

A report in The Indian Express has revealed that CSK have already reached an agreement with Matheesha Pathirana, who was bought by the franchise at his base price of Rs 20 lakh.

There will also be a likely toss up between overseas stars Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra if not more than two overseas players are allowed to be retained.