IPL: CSK may free up purse to add firepower; Dhoni likely to play

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Dhoni likely to play next season

CHENNAI: The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are looking to rebuild after a nightmarish Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2025. Even though a new core of younger players like Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel and Dewald Brevis filled some of the holes in the top order, CSK are set to part ways with some of their older stars so that there’s money in the auction to go for some match-winners.While R Ashwin , the premier India off-spinner who was bought for Rs 9.75 cr, seems to be on his way out, there is also a question mark over future of players like Devon Conway (Rs 6.25 cr), Rachin Ravindra (Rs 4 cr), Rahul Tripathi (Rs 3.4 cr), Sam Curran (Rs 2.4 cr), Gurjapneet Singh (2.2 cr), Nathan Ellis (2 cr), Deepak Hooda (1.75 cr), Jamie Overton (1.5 cr) and Vijay Shankar (1.2 cr). That could open up a purse of Rs 34.45 cr and with some additional purse, CSK may go into the auctions with something in the vicinity Rs 40 cr.The team, struggling with a lack of firepower in the top and middle order, will look to strengthen three areas — a hitter at the top, a middle-order Indian enforcer and a quality allrounder.Meanwhile, Sanju Samson , who seems to be on his way out of Rajasthan Royals , is a player CSK are interested in. But it may be difficult for the franchise to get him before the auction because the team is not keen on exchanging any of its key marquee players like Ruturaj Gaikwad , Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana and Shivam Dube.It is unlikely that RR will be keen to pay for any of the CSK players who seem to be on their way out, given the huge amounts they commanded from last year’s auction.The only way Samson can become a CSK player before the auction is if RR accept a ‘cash-only’ deal. It’s easier said than done and the CSK management will need to do a lot of convincing. It’s to be seen if the good relationship that CSK owners share with RR coach Rahul Dravid will have any role to play in the deal going through. CSK may target one among Cameron Green, Mitchell Owen and Ben Stokes as one of their allround options from the auction.There has been no indication from MS Dhoni that he will not play next season. The last season didn’t go well and the franchise believes that their former captain will be part of the playing mix for one more season. Dhoni himself said he will take the call after some time, looking at how his body shapes up. A clearer picture is likely to emerge mid-Sept as more detailed discussions for next season begin.

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