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Ajay Recommends MS Dhoni’s Retention For CSK
Ajay Jadeja suggested that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) should retain MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, and Matheesha Pathirana for IPL 2025.
Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja has suggested that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) should retain their iconic captain MS Dhoni for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Jadeja, who spoke during a discussion on Colours Cineplex, also emphasised the importance of keeping Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, and overseas fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana in the squad.
According to a new rule introduced by the IPL Governing Council, Indian players who have not represented the national team in the last five years will now be classified as uncapped. This rule allows CSK to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player since his last international appearance was during the 2019 ODI World Cup.
Speaking about the retention strategy, Jadeja said, “One is MS Dhoni for sure. There is no doubt about that because, firstly, he has become an uncapped player now, and he has shown for so many years that he doesn’t desire to be No. 1 or No. 2 to make the team. So there is no doubt at that value. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad had a good year, so you will want to keep him as well. You cannot leave Ravindra; I am not talking about Rachin; I am talking about Jadeja. I feel these three are perfect for them,” remarked Jadeja.
Dhoni stepped down from captaincy duties before the IPL 2024 season began. Despite batting lower down the order, the CSK veteran scored 161 runs across 11 innings, averaging 53.67 with an impressive strike rate of 220.54.
“You Would Not Want To Leave Pathirana”: Jadeja
Ajay Jadeja expressed confidence that Matheesha Pathirana, who had a strong IPL 2024 season, would not be released ahead of the 2025 auction. “You would not want to leave Pathirana. I am seeing him as one of the overseas players. You need to keep players not because of the money but their style. So I feel these four will be their main players, and they will keep two RTMs,” Jadeja added.
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Pathirana claimed 13 wickets in six innings during IPL 2024, finishing as CSK’s third-highest wicket-taker behind Tushar Deshpande (17) and Mustafizur Rahman (14). Despite these efforts, CSK did not qualify for the playoffs last season.
Last Updated on September 30, 2024
