The IPL is, without a doubt, one of the most fascinating places to be. Isn’t it? Even more so when you’re part of powerhouses like the Mumbai Indians or the Chennai Super Kings — outfits where the present, not just the future, promises immense opportunities to showcase one’s craft and contribute to the legacy of already remarkable and successful teams. This is precisely what a few key names will be pondering as they gear up for what’s bound to be an exhilarating phase ahead.
The IPL 2026 auction will once again be a stage where legends are made, much like how CSK — a cult, a legacy, a living legend of a franchise — has always stood tall. Players blessed with both charisma and skill can shine brighter than ever. One such figure, affectionately known as Thala, is expected to be among the top retainers. But who might the other two be that Chennai Super Kings decide to hold onto ahead of the 2025 mini-auction? Let’s find out — without any further delay.
Matheesha Pathirana
The Sri Lankan speedster, who plays with fire and finesse, is almost certain to be retained by what is now undoubtedly his IPL home — the Chennai Super Kings. Ever since joining the franchise in 2022, Pathirana’s searing pace and deceptive variations have added tremendous value to the team. Tough to pick, tougher to score off, the soon-to-be 23-year-old has all the makings of a long-term asset. Expect him to give his all, both for CSK’s continued glory and his own ever-rising career trajectory.
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MS Dhoni
Can there be a ship without its captain? An ocean without its depths? Or perhaps, a surrealist painting that doesn’t remain etched in the mind of an art lover? Likewise, it’s nearly impossible to imagine Chennai Super Kings without MS Dhoni. He’s not just a name — he’s an institution, a cult figure, a legend in motion.
Having served CSK for nearly his entire IPL journey — save for a brief stint with the Rising Pune Supergiants — Dhoni remains the heartbeat of the franchise. The idea of CSK without him feels incomplete. It would come as no surprise if the stalwart is once again retained ahead of the crucial IPL 2026 auction. Some things, after all, are simply meant to continue.
Dewald Brevis
Dewald Brevis means business — he always has, and he always will. In his short yet impactful time with CSK, he has already notched up 225 runs and shown flashes of immense potential. With a batting average of 37 and a blistering strike rate of 180, Brevis has proven that he can change games in a matter of overs. Given another opportunity to continue his journey with the franchise, he’ll be eager to convert promise into permanence — and runs into records.