With the CSK’s retained players list revealed on October 31, the franchise is looking to hunt down spinner Ravichandran Ashwin during the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Ashwin was released by Rajasthan Royals which means the player will go into the auction pool. With spending a purse value of INR 65 crore for retentions, the Chennai franchise will be heading to auction with INR 55 crore.
While the franchise is interested in Rishabh Pant, it is highly unlikely that the team will spend a high price of INR 25 crore on a single player.
Ashwin has 180 wickets to his name in the IPL and made his debut for Chennai-based franchise in the cash-rich league in 2009. He was associated with them till 2015 before joining Rising Pune Super Giants, followed by stints with the Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals.
A couple of months ago, Ashwin had expressed his desire to play for Chennai in the IPL. The Chennai-based cricketer played in 97 matches for CSK between 2009 and 2015.
On the other hand, CSk is likely to buy back Kiwi all-rounder Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner in the mega auction, along with Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur.
Chennai Super Kings have retained five players ahead of the mega auction. With Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja retained for INR 18 crore, Matheesha Pathirana was retained for INR 13 crore and Shivam Dube for INR 12 crore.
To be noted, former India captain and legendary wk-batter MS Dhoni will also play in the IPL 2025 as he was retained by the franchise for INR 4 crore.
Despite Dhoni quitting his captaincy, his presence could have a certain impact on the popularity of the game. Ruturaj Gaikwad was appointed as the captain ahead of the 2024 season.
Despite having an impressive start, Chennai Super Kings failed to qualify for the playoffs in the IPL 2024 season after losing the last league stage match against RCB at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
