IPL 2025: MS Dhoni Among Chennai Super Kings’ Retentions

Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have retained their former Captain and of course the face of their franchise, MS Dhoni among five of its players. Among others, the retained list included players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana. Their decision reflects a mix of veteran talent and emerging talent within CSK. Chennai Super Kings’ Landscape Of Bidding Although it is not known how much CSK will pay for each retained player, this set of retentions would strip the franchise of at least INR 65 crore from its overall purse of INR 120 crore. The five players picked here leave CSK with just one RTM option during the auction, which puts it well in the overall landscape of bidding. Dhoni’s Uncapped Status Now 43 years old, Dhoni is likely to be retained in the uncapped category. This status is special because the IPL recently announced a rule wherein players who have not played international cricket for five years can be considered “uncapped.” Dhoni last represented India during the 2019 ODI World Cup. Thus, he is eligible for this category and will allow CSK to play flexibility with their auction purse. Dhoni’s New Role in CSK and His Future Plans After having invested the CSK captaincy in Gaikwad before the season of the IPL 2024, Dhoni turned more on the fringes as a player and batted just marginally and played little cricket with very less role for him in batting. Although he retained his place as a primary wicket-keeper for the side, he got to face just 73 balls in the last 11 innings played by CSK. Moreover, those were mainly the overs where he was brought down in the latter end, No. 8 or No. 9 in most cases so as not to exert his muscles after a knee surgery early in the year 2023. Dhoni has recently said that he would like to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket he is able to play and his scarce batting appearances in IPL 2024 were an opportunity for players like Dube and Jadeja to show their skills and make their case for selection into the Indian Cricket Team before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye

IPL 2025: Here’s What Franchises Proposed Ahead Of 2025 Auction

IPL franchises propose significant changes to retention rules, mega auction cycles, and player salaries, aiming for team stability.

In a series of feedback sessions with the Indian Premier League (IPL) officials, franchises have suggested several substantial changes to the player retention process, aiming to ensure more stability and strategic depth in team compositions. The next steps will be discussed in an upcoming meeting between IPL officials and franchise representatives, which will take place on 31st of July, 2024. Here are a couple of key suggestions from the franchises. 1. Mega Auction Cycle Change Franchises are advocating for the IPL mega auction to be held once every five years instead of the current three-year cycle. According to a senior franchise official, this change would offer multiple benefits, including the opportunity for teams to build continuity by developing young, especially uncapped Indian players. The longer cycle would incentivize franchises to continue investing in their grassroots academies without the immediate threat of losing nurtured talent to rival teams. 2. Retention and RTM Options Teams have proposed the ability to retain between four and six players, coupled with eight Right-to-Match (RTM) options.  One of the franchise CEOs suggested allowing teams to retain one marquee player, such as the captain, with the rest being retained through RTMs, thus letting the market determine player prices and reducing potential dissatisfaction among retained players regarding their monetary value. 3. Salary Renegotiations Another proposal involves allowing franchises to renegotiate player salaries between mega auctions. This would help teams retain their core players and reach better terms with players originally acquired at lower prices. The process would be transparent, with new contracts declared to the IPL, however would be controlled by the franchise without players having the option to be released. Historical Context and Current Challenges Historically, the IPL has conducted mega auctions in four-year cycles twice in the last decade. The first was in 2018, following the 2014 auction and the return of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from suspension. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the 2021 mega auction to be deferred by a year, leading to an extension of player contracts. Currently, franchises face challenges with players, particularly those who were uncapped and bought at low prices but have since become maga contributors or international players. These players might prefer re-entering the auction to secure higher contracts, which could be seen as unfair by the franchises that initially identified and developed them. Varied Responses to RTM-Only Proposal One of the franchises has proposed using only RTM options without any direct retentions, providing eight RTM options per team. The idea has received mixed reactions. Some franchises believe it promotes a level playing field, while others fear it could disrupt their auction strategy as rivals might drive up player prices. Focus on Fan Engagement Several franchises stretched on the importance of creating a loyal fan base. With frequent squad overhauls every three years, maintaining fan loyalty becomes challenging. Franchises argue that longer retention periods would help build stronger connections with fans, fostering a sense of loyalty and engagement. IPL officials and franchise representatives are expected to discuss these suggestions in detail in the forthcoming meeting. Other topics likely to be on the agenda include the Impact Player rule, which has received mixed feedback, the purse for the IPL 2025 auction and potential changes to the salary cap deduction for retained players. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye

The Winning Formula That Makes CSK Fans’ Favorites

The secret that makes Chennai Super Kings (CSK) loved by so many cricket followers across the nation.

In the exhilarating realm of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the correlation between winning and fandom is undeniable, exemplified by franchises like the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Mumbai Indians (MI), each boasting five prestigious titles.  These powerhouse teams not only dominate the leaderboard but also command immense viewership and sponsorship volumes, illustrating the profound impact of victory on fan engagement. However, amidst the towering giants, there exists a compelling anomaly – the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Despite their trophy cabinet remaining vacant, RCB enjoys an ardent and steadfast fanbase.  This intriguing dynamic prompts a deeper exploration into the intricate relationship between success on the field and the fervor of fandom. Through comprehensive surveys conducted across 13 Indian cities, including primary hubs for all IPL franchises, intriguing patterns emerge. Notably, 50% of respondents express allegiance to a favorite team, with a significant portion aligning with CSK, MI, RCB, and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).  While MI’s following has faced fluctuations following a title drought, CSK’s popularity remains steadfast, a testament to their enduring legacy.  What makes CSK such a popular and loving franchise? 1. The Thala EffectAt the heart of CSK’s unwavering fandom lies the enigmatic figure of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly revered as ‘Thala’ by CSK devotees. Dhoni’s magnetic allure transcends mere cricketing prowess; it embodies a cultural phenomenon.  Despite an inconsistent performance in IPL 2024, CSK fans steadfastly rally behind their beloved captain, epitomizing the unparalleled influence of a sporting icon. Dhoni’s illustrious career, punctuated by two World Cup triumphs for India, continues to captivate audiences, even in his twilight years. The anticipation surrounding Dhoni’s every appearance underscores his unparalleled star power, a sentiment echoed by broadcasters who prioritize showcasing his on-field exploits. The impending specter of Dhoni’s retirement looms large, fueling a palpable urgency among fans to witness his magic firsthand. This sentiment is palpable in the electrifying atmosphere that engulfs CSK’s home ground, where a sea of yellow adorns the stands in a vibrant display of devotion. Karan Sharma, a long time CSK loyalist and an avid M.S. Dhoni fan said “Mahendra Singh Dhoni isn’t just a cricketer, he’s the heartbeat of Chennai Super Kings. His aura transcends boundaries. It’s more than just a game when he steps onto the field wearing the CSK jersey. Dhoni’s association with CSK isn’t just about cricket,  it’s about emotion, loyalty, and the belief that together, they can conquer any challenge.“ 2. Thala First CSK Then FansFor many fans, M.S. Dhoni is the main reason they love and support the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). These fans admire Dhoni for his calmness under pressure, smart decisions, and amazing cricket skills. Their love for CSK comes from their deep respect and affection for Dhoni.  Whether Dhoni is batting, keeping wickets, or leading the team, these fans cheer loudly and passionately. To them, supporting CSK means supporting Dhoni, and they follow the team mainly because of their admiration for him. This special connection makes their support for CSK incredibly strong and heartfelt. CSK’s resilience in the face of adversity further solidifies their bond with fans.  As CSK embarks on yet another quest for IPL glory, their legion of fans stands steadfast, unwavering in their support. While victory on the field undoubtedly fuels fandom, it is the enduring legacy of icons like Dhoni and the indomitable spirit of franchises like CSK that truly capture the hearts and imaginations of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The question still lies, will the fans still support CSK even if M.S. Dhoni hangs up his boots? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.

And The Most Valuable IPL Franchise Is…

IPL Franchise

IPL is all about numbers. On the cricket pitch, it is a numbers game between the batters and bowlers, and off it, the business numbers take precedence. As per the latest data, the IPL’s brand evaluation has surged by 433 percent in the last 15 years. To put it in simple words – the IPL is no longer a sports league. It is a product held by a private body, with its evaluation exceeding $10 billion or more. In the last three years, the brand value has doubled. For the naysayers, the brand value is the value of the entire product including the sponsors, the revenue, the audience watching the game, the broadcasting rights, the players and team worth, and of course the advertisements. Talking strictly only about cricket leagues, the IPL is valued 20 times more than the second-placed ‘The Hundred’ at $508 million. No wonder, the best cricketers in the world do not want to miss this competition at any cost. Which is the most valued IPL team? Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians are struggling to put match-winning performances in IPL 2024, but the 5-time champions have a winning legacy and are sponsors’ favourites. MI heads the pack with an evaluation of $87 million, thanks largely to star players Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and other fan following, and consistent results in the past decade. Second on the list is 5-time champions Chennai Super Kings, a team valued at $81 million. CSK boasts of a massive, dedicated fan base, the Yellow Army, the power behind its brand value. The presence of MS Dhoni makes the franchise, an indispensable asset for sponsors and investors. The two most successful franchises – Mumbai and Chennai take the top two spots. The following lists all ten franchises and their current brand value. IPL Franchises Brand Value

IPL 2024 : Ruturaj Gaikwad’s ‘Mental’ Battle With The Coin Toss in IPL 2024 

For CSK and Ruturaj Gaikwad, the coin toss has been the biggest horror story this season. The CSK skipper, for the umpteenth time, lost the toss against the Punjab Kings at Chepauk.  Ruturaj has now lost 9 out of 10 tosses so far in the IPL 2024. Announcing Gaikwad as M.S. Dhoni’s successor at CSK has worked effectively so far; however, in terms of winning tosses, it hasn’t worked for the franchise or the captain as the luck hasn’t been in their favor.  After his poor toss record in IPL 2024, Ruturaj revealed that losing tosses is putting him under pressure. The CSK skipper also admitted that he has been practicing flipping the coin during the team practice sessions.  “I’ve practiced the tosses (during the practice sessions); it’s not going well in the match; I’m not sure what to do. To be truthful, I’m under pressure when I go to the middle (for the toss),” Ruturaj Gaikwad had said. The importance of tossing in cricket keeps on increasing as the format gets shorter. In T20s, where the game changes within a blink of an eye, it’s very crucial for the teams to be at least 5 steps ahead of the opposition. And by start, we mean right from the toss. Winning tosses in T20 cricket holds significant importance as it can directly influence the outcome of the match. The winner of the toss, as it has been seen in the IPL 2024 so far, gains the advantage of choosing whether to bat or bowl first, a decision that can be pivotal in shaping the game’s dynamics.  In T20 cricket, where matches are fast-paced and every ball counts, setting a target or chasing one down can greatly affect the team’s strategy. Opting to bat first allows a team to set a competitive total, putting pressure on the opposition to match or surpass it.  Conversely, choosing to bowl first provides the opportunity to exploit early pitch conditions and restrict the opponent’s scoring, placing them on the back foot from the start. Moreover, the dew factor in evening matches can make bowling second more challenging, further emphasizing the significance of winning the toss.  Hence, winning the toss in T20 cricket offers teams the chance to dictate the course of the game, making it a crucial aspect of their overall strategy. Is Ruturaj Gaikwad disturbed by the coin-toss results?Losing tosses seems to have affected Ruturaj Gaikwad mentally. Losing the toss and being forced into a less favorable position from the outset seems to have created a psychological challenge for him.  Captains might feel pressured to adapt their strategies quickly to compensate for the disadvantage, which could affect their decision-making under pressure during the game.  Additionally, if the toss-winning team goes on to win the match convincingly, the captain who lost the toss might face scrutiny or criticism for not capitalizing on the opportunity to gain an early advantage. However, seasoned captains often emphasize the need to stay focused and resilient regardless of the toss outcome, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and mental strength in high-pressure situations. Never had we imagined that a toss could affect a captain this badly. Gaikwad has been brilliant this season with his leadership and also with the bat.  Currently, he sits at the top of the highest run-getters charts with the orange cap on his head, scoring 509 runs in the 10 games he has played so far.  However, the question remains: whether luck will favor Ruturaj Gaikwad and CSK while winning tosses in the next 4 games they play, or will he be left with no choice when it comes to electing to bat or field? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye. 

Ruturaj Gaikwad: Soaring High Amidst Challenging Chepauk Heat

Ruturaj Gaikwad batting

One could see it: Ruturaj Gaikwad was running out of energy after batting for nearly 20 overs in the energy-sapping conditions at Chepauk on Sunday. He was gasping for breath on his haunches, barely able to stand on his two feet, let alone bat, towards the end of the CSK innings. A tired shot in the final over resulted in Ruutraj perishing for 98 runs, but not before taking his team to a competitive total against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The entire CSK dugout was on its feet, saluting what was truly a masterclass from Ruturaj. It was not just about the number of runs he scored, but the way he weathered the challenging Chepauk heat was commendable. Do not forget that he also batted for the complete 20 overs against the Lucknow Super Giants at the same venue and then captained the side for the entire duration. “These conditions are too hot and humid. Last game I was out fielding for 20 overs and 19 overs today. I was never even thinking about the hundred. I was just trying to make sure we get to 220 or whatever extra runs possible. Even in the last game I wasn’t thinking about the hundred. I was upset I missed a few shots,” Ruturaj said at the end of the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad Why batting at Chepauk is a challenge? The hot and humid conditions made life tough for Ruturaj, but he managed to weather the storm thanks to his supreme fitness levels. What makes batting so tough in Chennai is not the pitch, but first the heat, and then losing out on energy makes it extremely tough for batters to bat for longer periods. Being a coastal city adds more humidity to the air, and thus the batters lose out on energy while batting for longer periods. Ruturaj, being only 27, was able to recover well in time, potentially filling in a lot of fluids inside his system, and keeping himself hydrated helped him quite a lot. Chennai Super Kings have entered a new era, with Ruturaj leading the side post-MS Dhoni. He is also leading them from the front, having scored 447 runs in nine matches, and is in the race to win the Orange Cap for the second time in his career. He has taken over the CSK baton from MS Dhoni and is now making a statement both with the bat and his fitness levels. Ruturaj is raising the bar for the rest, and if Chennai needs to do well and defend its IPL crown, they will need every ounce of sweat and blood from their captain to emerge victorious for the record sixth time.