The legendary MS Dhoni is reportedly confirmed to be taking part in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Earlier, there were reports claiming that Dhoni has kept his status on the air, and will unwrap it before the retention deadline of October 31.
Interestingly, Dhoni will be retained as an uncapped player ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. This is due to him not playing international cricket for the past five years, with his last appearance coming against New Zealand in 2019 World Cup semi-final. Moreover, he has not been in the central contract with the BCCI during this period as well.
As per CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan, Dhoni is seemingly ready to don the gloves for the franchise in the upcoming edition.
“When he is ready, what else (do) we want. We are happy,” franchise CEO Kasi Viswanathan told Cricbuzz on Saturday.
Viswanathan’s comments came after Dhoni’s comments that he will look to enjoy the last few years of his cricketing career. It also indicated that the 43-year-old was interested in continuing to play for CSK, provided that he maintains his fitness and form.
“I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play,” Dhoni was quoted as saying to TOI. “When you play cricket like a professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy it just like a game. That’s what I want to do. It’s not easy.”
The move will allow the Chennai-based franchise to focus on retaining players, who will a future prospect for them. The likes of skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana and Shivam Dube are likely to be among the top retentions, while Ravindra Jadeja is also among the fray. The final conversation regarding retentions will take place between franchise owner N Srinivasan and Dhoni in the next few days.
How did MS Dhoni and CSK perform in IPL 2024?
Ahead of the IPL 2024 season, MS Dhoni decided to pass on the captaincy baton to opening batter, Ruturaj Gaikwad. With guidance from Dhoni behind the stumps, Gaikwad did the job well and is expected to continue leading the side in IPL 2025.
CSK managed to win seven out of 14 games in the league stage, but failed to qualify for the playoffs. They lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the most-hyped game of the season. CSK had to ensure a defeat by 17 or more runs to qualify, but they fell short by 27 runs and bowed out of the tournament.
Meanwhile, MS Dhoni had a successful season, slamming 161 runs at an average of 53.66 and a strike rate of 220.54. He silenced his doubters by his ability to clear the fences with ease in the death overs. Although his knock of 37* off 16 came in a losing cause against Delhi Capitals, it was a signal of him still having that strength and six-hitting capabilities.
