New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan revealed former captain MS Dhoni is yet to confirm whether he wants to be retained by the franchise and continue playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The suspense regarding Dhoni’s future in the league continues as the legendary wicket-keeper batter is yet to speak about his plans.
Dhoni was expected to announce his retirement from IPL after the 2024 season earlier this year. However, CSK’s failure to qualify for the playoffs seemingly led to a change in the former captain’s plans. Dhoni remained tight-lipped regarding his retirement as he left for home immediately after CSK’s exit from IPL 2024 and is yet to open up on his future.
While many expect CSK to use the uncapped player rule reinstated by the BCCI to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player, the franchise’s CEO has reiterated that they are yet to hear from the former captain. Viswanathan said CSK want Dhoni to continue for another season but the final decision rests in the hands of the ex-captain.
However, he revealed Dhoni has assured that he will communicate his decision to the franchise before October 31 – the deadline for all franchises to reveal their retentions before the IPL 2025 mega auction. Dhoni, one of the most successful captains in IPL history, has led CSK to five titles and his name remains synonymous with the franchise in the league.
“We also want Dhoni to play in the CSK team. But Dhoni has not confirmed it to us yet. Dhoni said, ‘I will tell you before October 31.’ We hope that he will play,” CSK CEO Viswanathan said at an event, as quoted by Sports Vikatan.
MS Dhoni likely to be retained as uncapped player
As per the uncapped player rule, an Indian player who has retired or has not held a central contract for the last five years heading into the relevant season is eligible to be retained as an uncapped player ahead of the mega auction. Dhoni, who retired in 2019, fits in the eligibility criteria and can be retained for Rs 4 crore. He is expected to be retained as an uncapped player whenever the former captain gives the nod.
Dhoni, who handed over the baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad after stepping down as CSK captain last season, has himself admitted in the past that his retention will rely on the rules and regulations of the auction. The 43-year-old remains the undisputed leader of the team but considering his age and his availability, he would want to be retained without hurting CSK’s auction dynamics.
As per a report in the Times of India, CSK are set to retain a total of five players ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The five-time champions are expected to retain skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube and Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana along with Dhoni. While Dhoni is set to be retained as uncapped player, Gaikwad and Jadeja are expected to be CSK’s top two retentions.
