The Chennai Super Kings are the most recognisable and successful team in IPL history. They have won the championship five times and have consistently placed themselves in the cash-rich league. However, IPL 2024 was one of the few seasons in which CSK failed to reach the final four.

With a shift in leadership and MS Dhoni's impending retirement, the Chennai Super Kings will attempt to assemble a team that will continue to add jewels to the franchise's well-decorated crown. Here are three players who CSK would undoubtedly aim to keep ahead of the IPL 2025 edition.

Ruturaj Gaikwad

MS Dhoni chose Ruturaj Gaikwad as the CSK squad captain just before the IPL 2024 season began. Dhoni planned to groom Gaikwad for the leadership position before stepping down. Although Dhoni has not formally confirmed his retirement, he is commonly assumed to not participate in the IPL 2025.

Without Dhoni, CSK will rely on Gaikwad as their new captain. Given his significant contribution, Gaikwad will be their primary choice for retention. He was the 2024 edition's second top run-scorer, scoring over 583 runs in 14 matches, including four half-centuries and a century. 

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja's expertise as an all-rounder will be crucial in rebuilding the squad. CSK has always prioritised building a solid and stable core, and Jadeja has played an essential role in that effort. Even though he has retired from T20I cricket, he is anticipated to continue playing in the IPL for at least two or three years. CSK will likely maintain this all-rounder as a crucial squad member.

Jadeja is a T20 specialist, as demonstrated in his previous IPL season. He takes wickets when necessary and scores runs in the last overs. Most importantly, when the team was in jeopardy and needed runs in the last few balls, he stepped up to save the day. In 2024, he has made crucial 267 runs and scalped eight wickets. 

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Matheesha Pathirana

Matheesha Pathirana, the young Sri Lankan fast bowler, has swiftly emerged as a crucial player for CSK. Despite his brief time with the squad, Pathirana has demonstrated his ability to win matches. CSK would most likely want to keep him since he has grown under their supervision and is regarded as a valuable asset in the future. Pathirana is one of Chennai Super Kings' top pacers and early-over wicket-takers.

CSK is a squad that depends significantly on pacers. Pathirana puts in additional effort with his Malinga-like yorkers, leaving his opponents powerless. Pathirana became extremely effective under Dhoni's leadership. In his 2024 stint, he scalped a colossal 13 wickets in six matches before getting ruled out due to an injury during the tournament's end stage.