CSK Faces Retention Conundrum: Gaikwad or Jadeja for Higher Slab?

Chennai Super Kings Face Dilemma: Ruturaj Gaikwad or Ravindra Jadeja for Higher Retention Slab?

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) retention deadline of October 31 approaches, all franchises are finalizing their rosters. Among the most scrutinized teams is five-time champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who must decide between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja for the higher retention slab.

According to reports, CSK is considering offering both players the same pay scale. The official retention slabs are: Rs 18 crore (first), Rs 14 crore (second), Rs 18 crore (third), Rs 14 crore (fourth), Rs 11 crore (fifth), and Rs 4 crore (uncapped player).

However, CSK may opt to avoid creating a disparity between Gaikwad and Jadeja. Gaikwad has emerged as the franchise's captain, while Jadeja has been a mainstay since 2012 and was CSK's highest retention before the previous mega auction.

The Times of India reports that while CSK is leaning towards equalizing the pay of Gaikwad and Jadeja, a final decision is pending. The management will consult with both players before making an announcement.

If CSK retains four players, two retention slabs of Rs 18 crore are mandatory, potentially opening the door for Gaikwad and Jadeja to be retained on equal terms.

Another consideration for CSK is the Right to Match (RTM) option, which allows teams to retain players who have been released into the auction. CSK must decide whether to retain Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana and Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube using the RTM.

Notably, the RTM option is included in the six retentions. If a team uses all six retentions, it will have no RTM at the auction.

Tags: #IPLRetention, #ChennaiSuperKings, #RuturajGaikwad, #RavindraJadeja, #CSKDilemma