CSK are likely to go for Rishabh Pant (right) to replace MS Dhoni. (File)
Chennai Super Kings are in for a major overhaul as they prepare for the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season. In the past, the franchise has chosen to retain the core and even go for their released players at the auction. But with MS Dhoni — likely to be retained as an uncapped player — at the December of his career and fighting fitness issues, CSK are in need of a new face to take the team forward.
The Indian Express understands that the franchise is keen on bringing Rishabh Pant to the MA Chidambaram Stadium — and are working on their retention strategy accordingly. As things stand, CSK is certain to retain captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana and Dhoni. Whether they do likewise with Ravindra Jadeja would depend on how things unfold till the retention deadline.
CSK is aware that if Pant comes into the auction pool, they have to set aside a huge chunk of their purse for him, maybe in excess of Rs 20 crore. Hence, they are pondering ways to go with a significant auction purse. Towards that endeavour, they might release Jadeja into the auction pool and buy him back using the Right to Match(RTM)option.
Having retired from T20Is, Jadeja’s limitations as a T20 batsman have been all too evident. Should he come into the auction pool, and they use RTM, he could cost less than the retention sum. It is a route CSK took with Dwayne Bravo and Faf du Plessis in 2018. However, considering the loyalty factor and the emotional connect Jadeja has with the franchise, CSK could still retain him with Dhoni closely involved in the negotiations.
It is understood that the franchise is ready for both scenarios. If they retain four players and retain two RTM cards, they may not be able to go big for Pant. Given all their focus is on getting a face for the franchise, CSK are playing their cards close to the chest.
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