IPL 2018: MS Dhoni is CSK's obvious choice for retention; will they retain Brendon McCullum too?

Chennai Super Kings fans have a reason to rejoice as the franchise is making their Indian Premier League comeback after a two-year hiatus from the cash-rich event. 

The two-time champions will need to take some important calls when it comes to IPL player retention. CSK, who did not feature in the last two editions of the IPL, will have the luxury of picking from their 2015 squad. However, they can only select players from Gujarat Lions and Rising Pune Supergiant, who were the new teams of the last two seasons.

To put into context, CSK are quite lucky as they have a number of players to choose from as most of their big players either played for Gujarat Lions and RPS.

IPL 2018 player retention at a glance 

A team can maximum retain five players (combination of pre-auction retention and Right to Match (RTM))

A team can retain a maximum of 3 capped Indian players, 2 foriegners and 2 uncapped Indian players.

If a team retains three players --the first player will get Rs 15 crore, second will get Rs 11 crore and the third player will get Rs 7 crore.

If a team retains two players --the first player will get Rs 12.5 crore, second will get Rs 8.5 crore.

If a team retains only one player,he will get Rs 12.5 crore.

Indians

MS Dhoni

It goes without saying that Dhoni will be their number one pick. He has played for CSK in the first eight editions and the Jharkhand man is the most loved IPL player in Chennai. Besides being a favourite and his IPL record, which stands out, he is a leader and an inspirational figure so his inclusion is a no-brainer.

Dhoni in IPL 2017 – 16 matches, 290 runs

Overall IPL career – 159 matches, 3561 runs

Suresh Raina

The left-hander might be struggling to get into the national team, but that should not be a problem when CSK team management sits down to finalise players, who they want to retain. Raina's batting record in an indication of why CSK will retain him. He is IPL's all-time highest run-scorer with 4,540 runs under his belt. 

Raina in IPL 2017 – 14 matches, 442 runs

Overall IPL career - 161 matches, 4540 runs

Ravindra Jadeja

If you are looking for a true all-rounder in the IPL, Ravindra Jadeja with his slow left-arm, big-hitting skills and electric fielding, is an ideal fit for CSK. The franchise might be keen on retaining core India players, and Jadeja might just pip R Ashwin. 

Jadeja in IPL 2017 – 12 matches, 158 runs, 5 wickets

Overall IPL career – 138 matches, 1732 runs, 82 wickets

Overseas

Brendon McCullum

CSK might go in for the explosive retired New Zealand captain, who is a T20 freelancer. When on song, he can win matches on his own. He is a true match-winner. His exploits with the bat have been well documented and his experience of having played in the IPL will help him shine for CSK once again. 

McCullum in IPL 2017 – 11 matches, 320 runs

Overall IPL career – 103 matches, 2754 runs

Dwayne Bravo

It could be a tricky situation when it comes to Bravo, who is a fine all-rounder. The West Indian all-rounder could be a good option for RTM if teams do not bid too high for Bravo. 

Bravo in IPL 2017 – Did not play

Overall IPL career – 106 matches, 1238 runs, 122 wickets