Full List of Released and Retained Players by Chennai Super Kings Ahead of IPL 2024 Auction

In preparation for the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have recently announced their list of released and retained players. As one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, CSK aims to defend their title in the upcoming season. Let's take a closer look at the players who have been released and those who have been retained by the team.

Players Released by CSK

CSK has made some significant changes to their squad, releasing a total of eight players. Among them is the seasoned England all-rounder, Ben Stokes. Stokes, who was purchased for a whopping ₹16.25 crore at the IPL 2023 auction, had previously pulled out of the upcoming edition due to injury and fitness concerns. His release comes as no surprise considering his limited participation in IPL 2023, where he played only two matches.

In addition to Stokes, CSK has also released batter Ambati Rayudu. Rayudu, who had announced his IPL retirement last season, is now officially free to explore new opportunities in the league. Joining them on the list of released players are Sisanda Magala, Kyle Jamieson, Dwaine Pretorius, Bhagath Varma, Subhranshu Senapati, and Akash Singh.

Players Retained by CSK

While CSK bid farewell to some players, they have also decided to retain a strong core group for the upcoming season. Leading the pack is the legendary MS Dhoni, who will continue to serve as the captain and wicketkeeper of the team. Dhoni's leadership and experience will undoubtedly play a crucial role in CSK's title defense.

Among the other retained players is Ruturaj Gaikwad, who showcased his batting prowess in the previous season. The promising young talent has impressed with his consistent performances and is expected to be a key contributor to CSK's success. Joining Gaikwad in the batting lineup is Moeen Ali, who has proven to be a valuable all-rounder for the team.

CSK has also retained the services of Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Devon Conway, Shivam Dube, Mitchell Santner, Tushar Deshpande, Ravindra Jadeja, Mukesh Choudhary, Deepak Chahar, Matheesha Pathirana, Simarjeet Singh, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Nishant Sindhu, Ajinkya Rahane, Ajay Mandal, and Shaik Rasheed.

Available Budget and Remaining Slots

With the release of eight players, CSK now has a purse of ₹32.1 crore remaining for the IPL 2024 auction. They have six slots left to fill, out of which three can be filled by overseas players. This leaves the team with ample opportunities to strengthen their squad with strategic acquisitions.

CSK's Performance in IPL 2023

As the defending champions, CSK had a remarkable campaign in IPL 2023. They finished second in the points table after the league stage, securing 17 points from eight wins and five losses. One match produced no result due to adverse weather conditions.

In the playoffs, CSK faced off against the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1. The match took place at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, where CSK emerged victorious by 15 runs. This win propelled them to the final, where they once again faced the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The final was a rain-affected encounter, but it didn't dampen the excitement. Gujarat posted a formidable total of 214/4 in their 20 overs. Due to rain interruptions, CSK had to chase a revised target of 171 in 15 overs. In a thrilling last-ball finish, CSK emerged as the champions, thanks to the heroics of Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja smashed two consecutive boundaries off Mohit Sharma to secure the title for CSK.

Conclusion

As CSK gears up for the IPL 2024 auction, the release and retention of players play a crucial role in shaping the team's strategy. With a strong core group of retained players and a significant budget to work with, CSK has the opportunity to build a formidable squad capable of defending their title. Fans eagerly await the auction to see which new faces will don the iconic yellow jersey and join the ranks of the Chennai Super Kings.