New Delhi: The legendary MS Dhoni has finally put an end to the speculations regarding his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Dhoni has confirmed to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) that he will continue playing for them next season. The former CSK captain is set to be retained as an uncapped player and will return for the five-time champions next season.
As per a report in Cricbuzz, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that Dhoni will turn up again for the Men in Yellow next season and that the franchise is happy with the decision. “When he is ready, what else (do) we want? We are happy,” Viswanathan was quoted as saying by CSK.
CSK management breathed a sigh of relief after a positive response from the former skipper, who had earlier told them that he would communicate his decision before the retention deadline on October 31. Dhoni was expected to call time on his glorious IPL career after IPL 2024 earlier this year. However, CSK failing to make it to the playoffs denied him a fairytale farewell.
While speaking about his future in the IPL earlier this year, Dhoni had said everything will depend on what rules are set by the BCCI for the upcoming mega auction. BCCI brought back the uncapped player rule for the IPL 2025 mega auction making it easier for CSK to retain Dhoni without hurting their purse. As per the rule, an Indian player who has been retired for 5 years heading into the relevant season, can be retained as uncapped.
Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, will be without a central contract for five years heading into IPL 2025 and thus can be retained as an uncapped player. CSK will need to splurge only Rs 4 crore in a highly-inflated market to keep hold of their former captain, who is arguably one of the most vital cogs in their squad.
Recently speaking at an event organised by tech platform Rigi, Dhoni opened up on the final few years of his cricketing career and said he wants to enjoy the sport as much as he can. However, the former CSK skipper admitted it is difficult to enjoy the game as a professional.
“I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play. 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,” Dhoni said at the event, as per Times of India.
Who will CSK retain ahead of IPL 2025 auction?
As per Cricbuzz, Chennai Super Kings have finalised their top three retentions ahead of the upcoming mega auction. CSK are set to retain captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana ahead of the auction. Jadeja is expected to be their top retention followed by Gaikwad and Pathirana.
Chennai Super Kings might also consider retaining at least two players between the trio of Shivam Dube, Devon Conway and uncapped Indian batter Sameer Rizvi.
MS Dhoni is all set to take part in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that Dhoni has cleared the air regarding his future in the league. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
