New Delhi: Will Chennai Super Kings (CSK) retain MS Dhoni ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction or will the former captain retire from all forms of the game? Speculations have been rife about Dhoni’s future in the IPL ever since the conclusion of the 2024 season earlier this year. Dhoni was expected to call it quits after IPL 2024 but he has decided to remain silent on his future with CSK.
While the fans want Dhoni to continue playing for another season after he failed to get a fitting farewell in IPL 2024 as CSK failed to make it to the playoffs, his future will reportedly depend on the number of retentions allowed by the BCCI ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Dhoni had stepped down from captaincy earlier this year and handed over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
As per a report in Cricbuzz, Dhoni has discussed his future with CSK owner N Srinivasan and his retention will depend on the number of retentions allowed by the BCCI ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Dhoni is likely to continue playing in IPL 2025 if the Indian cricket board allows at least 5 or 6 retentions.
The franchises were allowed to retain a maximum of 5 players (maximum 3 Indians) ahead in the IPL 2018 mega auction and the number was down to 4 players ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. A decision on the number of retentions for the IPL 2025 mega auction will be taken in a meeting between the BCCI officials and the members of IPL franchises which is expected to take place soon.
Will MS Dhoni be released by CSK?
There is no chance of Chennai Super Kings releasing their former captain Dhoni, who is synonymous with the franchise’s success in the IPL. Dhoni might not continue playing and announce his retirement from the IPL if the number of retentions allowed are less. He will certainly be an automatic retention if he decides to play and there are favourable number of retentions allowed.
However, Dhoni might not be CSK’s first-choice retention for IPL 2025. He was also not the franchise’s first-choice retention in IPL 2022 when Ravindra Jadeja was made the first pick followed by Dhoni, Moeen Ali and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Dhoni also handed over the captaincy to Jadeja only to return as skipper midway through IPL 2022.
Dhoni led CSK once again in IPL 2023 and helped them win a record-equalling fifth title after a thrilling win against Gujarat Titans in the final. The CSK legend was expected to lead the franchise one last time in IPL 2024 but he surprised many by handing over the baton to Gaikwad just a couple of days ahead of the start of the season.
As per Cricbuzz, even if Dhoni doesn’t play for CSK next season, he will remain associated with the franchise as a mentor and will control the proceedings from the dressing room. Dhoni is one of the most successful captains in the history of IPL having led CSK to five titles and a staggering 10 finals.
MS Dhoni has reportedly discussed his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) owner N Srinivasan. Ever since the conclusion of IPL 2024 speculations have been rife about Dhoni’s retirement from the IPL. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
