Leg and off: Should CSK retain Shivam Dube ahead of IPL 2025 auction?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will have to make key decisions ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.

After a disappointing finish to the 2024 season, where they failed to qualify for the playoffs, CSK will have to give their retention strategy a deep thought. While the core of their squad from the 2023 title-winning season remained largely intact, they will face the challenge of maintaining fresh talent with experienced players.

Among the players in the mix, Shivam Dube has emerged as one of their standout performers, which raises the question - should CSK retain him for the 2025 season?

Shivam Dube, a versatile all-rounder, has been an integral part of CSK's middle order since 2022. Known for his power-hitting and ability to clear the ropes with ease, Dube has demonstrated remarkable improvement over the past few seasons.

His six-hitting ability, especially against spin, has made him a vital asset for Chennai. However, as the franchise evaluates options, they must decide whether Dube's recent performances and potential justify retaining him, or if a Right to Match (RTM) card might offer a better option from a financial viewpoint.

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Dube's evolution at CSK

Since joining CSK in 2022, Dube has transformed under the leadership of MS Dhoni. After a lackluster start to his IPL career with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals, where he struggled to make a consistent impact, Dube turned things around in yellow.

In IPL 2022, he announced his arrival with a blistering unbeaten 95 off 46 balls against his former team, RCB, marking the beginning of his comeback. That season, Dube accumulated 289 runs at an impressive strike rate of 156.22, offering glimpses of his potential.

Dube’s breakthrough though, came in 2023, a season in which he played a massive role in CSK lifting their fifth IPL title. With 418 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 158.33 with the help of 35 sixes (the second-most in the tournament), Dube cemented his place in CSK’s middle order.

His ability to maintain composure under pressure, particularly in the final against Gujarat Titans, where he contributed an unbeaten 32, proved his worth.

In 2024, Dube took his game one level higher, scoring 396 runs at an average of 36.00 and a strike rate of 162.30. In the middle order, at No. 4 or 5, Dube scored in plenty and continued to impress with his ability to find the boundary. His strike rate was impressive as he displayed his ability to take the game away from the opposition.

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The retention challenge: Other contenders

While Dube’s numbers make him a strong contender for retention, CSK face tough choices with other key players who are also in the mix for retention slots. Ruturaj Gaikwad, their reliable opener and one of the franchise’s brightest stars, will certainly be retained.

Another strong candidate is Shivam Dube’s fellow all-rounder Rachin Ravindra. The New Zealand international has shown his ability to deliver with both bat and ball, making him a valuable player in their setup. Ravindra’s left-arm spin provides a useful option in the bowling arsenal, and his ability to open or bat at No. 3 gives the team flexibility.

Devon Conway, another key player for the side, also presents a retention challenge. As an experienced top-order batter with key performances in the past seasons, Conway’s role in anchoring the innings and providing stability at the top of the order makes him a possible candidate for retention.

Players like Rajvardhan Hangargekar and Matheesha Pathirana are also in the mix for retention. Their potential combined with impressive performances in limited opportunities, make them valuable long-term assets for the franchise.

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Why CSK should retain Dube

Dube's power-hitting and ability to play crucial knocks in the middle order adds depth to flexibility. While Dube has been underutilized as a bowler, his medium-pace remains an option that the team can always look at using should they feel the need to.

At 31, Dube is in his prime, and retaining him would provide CSK with a long-term investment in a player who has proven his match-winning abilities. His growth at the franchise over the past three seasons makes him a top candidate to be retained.

Chennai could choose to retain Dube outright, which would cost either INR 14 or 11 crore, or use a Right to Match (RTM) card to bring him back at a possibly lesser price Both options offer advantages, though the RTM option might provide more financial flexibility to buy other players at the auction.