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Will MS Dhoni return to CSK in IPL 2025?

by Cricketbeing
MS Dhoni

As the excitement of another thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) season subsides, fans eagerly anticipate the future of MS Dhoni. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter is one of the most iconic figures in the history of the league. He led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to five IPL titles, a record they share with fierce rivals Mumbai Indians (MI). In this article, we examine whether “Captain Cool” will feature in the IPL 2025 season.

Dhoni’s IPL Career Highlights

MS Dhoni was bought by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) during the player auction ahead of the inaugural IPL season. He was acquired for $1.5 million, making him the most expensive signing at the time. Named captain, he demonstrated his skill both as a player and a leader. He amassed 414 runs and guided CSK to the finals in the inaugural season despite they fell short after being defeated by Rajasthan Royals (RR).

He led CSK to their first IPL title in 2010 and also triumphed in the Champions League Twenty20 that same year. He continued to meet high expectations with another stellar performance, leading CSK to their second straight title in the following season. The 43-year-old also led CSK to their second Champions League Twenty20 title.

In an unpleasant episode, CSK faced a two-year ban in 2015, starting from the 2016 season alongside Rajasthan Royals. Subsequently, the IPL introduced two new franchises, named Rising Pune Supergiants and Gujarat Lions. Dhoni was drafted by the Supergiants for ₹125 million ($1.5 million) in December 2015.

After two satisfactory IPL sessions, Dhoni returned to CSK for the 2018 season and led the team to their third IPL title. He replicated this success in 2021 as well, leading the side to another title. Ahead of the 2022 season, he stepped down from the captaincy but was reappointed after Jadeha handed it back. In the following season, he led CSK to a record-equalling fifth title, solidifying his status as one of the most successful captains in the tournament’s history. Ahead of the 2024 season, he relinquished his captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad but continued to contribute significantly to the side despite them failing to make it to the playoffs.

Dhoni currently ranks sixth in the IPL’s all-time run-scorer chart, having amassed 5,243 runs in 264 matches. His track record includes 24 half-centuries, boasting an average of 39.12 and an impressive strike rate of 137.53. He is also the second-highest run-scorer for CSK, with 5,118 runs in 258 matches. In addition, he holds the record for the most dismissals as a wicketkeeper in IPL, with 190.  

Here’s a list of MS Dhoni’s notable achievements in the IPL:

Chennai Super Kings

  • IPL titles: 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023
  • Champions League T20: 2010, 2014

As a Captain and Player:

  • Most matches played for a single franchise- 258 matches for CSK
  • Most matches for IPL- 264
  • The first player to play 200 T20 matches for a single franchise- CSK
  • Second-highest run-scorer among captains- 4660 in 196 innings 
  • Most final appearances as captain: Led CSK to the final on ten occasions- 2008- Runner-up, 2010- Winner, 2011– Winner, 2012– Runner-up, 2013– Runner-up, 2015– Runner-up, 2018– Winner, 2019– Runner-up, 2021– Winner, 2023- Winner

CSK management’s decision on MS Dhoni’s future with the team

In May, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan was asked if the 2024 season would be MS Dhoni’s last as a player. To which, he responded that only Dhoni could answer that question. He also emphasized that the management always respects whatever decision the legendary wicketkeeper-batter takes.

“I do not know. It is a question which only MS can answer. The question for us, we have always respected the decisions taken by MS, we have left it to him,” Viswanathan said on CSK’s YouTube channel.

“As all of you know, he has always taken his decisions and announced it at the appropriate time. We do expect that we will get a decision as and when he decides. But we are very, very hopeful that he will be available for CSK next year. That is the view and expectations of the fans and mine,” he added.

MS Dhoni shares insights on his IPL future

With the IPL 2025 player regulations and retention schemes not finalized yet, MS Dhoni stated that he will wait to see the new rules before making a decision.

“There is a lot of time for it. We have to see what decision they (BCCI) take on player retention etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court. So, once the rules and regulations get formalised, I will take a call, but needs to be in the best interest of the team,” said Dhoni at a promotional event in Hyderabad last month.

Questions on Dhoni’s future at the IPL have been a huge source of discussion, especially after CSK made Ruturaj Gaikwad captain for IPL 2024, where they finished in fifth place in the tournament and failed to qualify for the playoffs. As of now, all ten IPL teams are not on the same page for the mega auction rules, ranging from player retention to the Impact Player rule.

Reasons why MS Dhoni should continue playing for CSK in IPL 2025

To mentor Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaiwad impressed in his first season as CSK skipper in the 2024 IPL. The Maharashtra batter guided the five-time champions to seven victories and as many defeats. Unfortunately, CSK missed playoff qualification after a heartbreaking defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the final group stage match. Dhoni’s presence would be a significant confidence booster for the 27-year-old in the coming years.

To develop squad depth

Currently, CSK lacks a ready replacement for MD Dhoni behind the stumps. Notably, if he plays IPL for another year with CSK, he can train a player who can take over his role. 

MS Dhoni’s Continued Contribution to CSK

MS Dhoni remains the premier wicketkeeper in the IPL, despite being 43 years old. The veteran cricketer, who is regarded as the best finisher of CSK, still consistently scores runs at a rapid pace. In the previous IPL season, he impressed with the bat, scoring 161 runs in 14 games, at an average of 53.66. In his 250th match for CSK on April 14, 2024, he delivered a standout performance, contributing an unbeaten 20 runs off just four deliveries to help his side secure a 20-run victory.

Reference Articles:

3 Reasons Why MS Dhoni Should Play IPL 2025 For Chennai Super Kings | Times Now (timesnownews.com)

MS Dhoni Finally Breaks Silence On Playing IPL 2025 For CSK | Cricket News (ndtv.com)

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan hopes MS Dhoni will play IPL 2025 for Chennai Super Kings | ESPNcricinfo

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