IPL 2025 Auction: Surprise Exclusions From the CSK and DC Squad

The IPL 2025 Auction retentions are out and the teams have done incredibly well in retaining their key players. The teams have retained the players keeping the future in mind. The management has made strict decisions to retain some players and leave out some. However, for a few of them, chances are still alive to have at least one or two players back in their squad.

CSK has retained 5 sets of players including MS Dhoni under the uncapped category, Ruturaj as their new captain, Jadeja as the all-rounder, Pathirana as their X-factor, and Shivam Dube as the big hitter.

With the core getting retained now CSK will go into the auction with a purse value of INR 55 Crores, which looks like a decent amount to build the rest of the squad.

Let’s have a look at CSK and DC who would want some of their key players back at any cost in the IPL 2025 Auction:

Chennai Super Kings

As one of the most consistent teams and a five-time IPL winner, CSK has always been a fan favorite. Their strength lies in trusting their workhorse and believing in their potential. CSK has done pretty well in retaining some of their key players with an RTM spot available.

These three have performed well for the franchise and are trusted by the management.

Maheesh Theekshana

Theekshana has played 27 matches for CSK and picked 25 wickets at around an economy of 7.50. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and the middle overs makes him a great prospect for the team. The management would like to have him back in the squad. His accuracy in the length and skills to bowl tight overs become an added advantage for CSK when they play at Chepauk. His wicket-taking ability makes him a go-to bowler for the captain and puts the pressure back on the opposition.

Devon Conway

Devon Conway played an important role in CSK’s 5th IPL title in IPL 2023. His pairing with Ruturaj did wonders for the team and was one of the season’s most successful pairs. His ability to pace the innings as required and handle the pressure makes him the ideal player for CSK. In 23 innings for CSK, Conway has scored over 900 runs at an average of nearly 50 and a strike rate of about 140. As a top-order batsman, his aggressive mindset against spin makes him a remarkable player for CSK. The management would want him back in the squad for his wicket-keeping skills too.

Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra, an exciting youngster in the world circuit, will be on the radar of CSK management. His ability to give an aggressive start to the team and take the game away quickly makes him a threatening batsman. He started the IPL with a good knock but unfortunately couldn’t capitalize on it. However, his potential to play big innings and maturely will be in the mind of management. His all-round ability makes him a suitable candidate for the CSK team. His recent performance against India in the test series will give him an advantage in the coming IPL. CSK will potentially bank on this young dynamic player.

Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals is one of the most improved teams in the last few years. The constant backing of the management and no chopping of players after one or two match failures have been their plus points. The team saw great success when they reached finals, sadly ending as runners-up. However, the team had some great memories together as a group and formed a destructive line-up.

Having finalized their retentions, the management will be looking to have these players back in their squad:

Jake Fraser-McGurk

Rated highly in the Australian circuit and seen as a rightful successor to David Warner. Jake Fraser caught everyone’s attention after his exploits in the IPL last season. His 18 runs over against Bumrah was one of the highlights of the IPL 2024. His ability to score big runs in the powerplay makes him one of the most destructive batters in the world. However, Jake Fraser would like to work on some areas of his game and have a cracking career to his name. Playing for DC, Jake has scored over 300 runs in 9 matches. His strike rate of 234 is eye-catching and could easily get him any franchise. The DC management will go all out for him and most likely he could be brought by the RTM card to regain his service.

Mukesh Kumar

One of the regular bowlers of the Bengal domestic team and DC, Mukesh flourished under the captaincy of Rishabh Pant. His ability to bowl with the new ball and at the death makes him a class bowler. He is one of the bowlers who can bowl yorkers at crucial points and can bail the team out of trouble. Bought at INR 5.50 Crore, Mukesh has played 20 matches for DC picking up 24 wickets. His economy of 10 doesn’t do justice to his capabilities. Mukesh would love to better his records in the IPL. The management will look to get him back and secure the Indian bowling core.

Khaleel Ahmed

Starting from SRH, Khaleel Ahmed was bought by DC in 2022 at INR 5.25 Crore. One of the finest left-arm bowlers in the Indian circuit, Khaleel Ahmed has been sensational for DC picking up 42 wickets in 33 matches. His ability to bowl with the new ball and get wickets in the powerplay makes him a great prospect for DC. Once seen as a regular member of the Indian team in the shorter format, the left arm slipped from the radar because of his injury and performance. However, he is likely to be picked in the auction for his quality bowling. The DC management may retain his service and have an excellent wicket-taker in their team.

The auction will be important for both teams. The mega auction will help them build their core for the next decade, rule over the IPL, and have a major impact on the tournament.