Recently, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan gave a major update to all the unanswered queries about MS Dhoni’s participation in IPL 2025.
A few weeks back, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) announced the retention rules for the forthcoming 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The new regulations state that any cricketer who hasn’t played for India or retired from international cricket across all formats for 5 years or more will be categorized as an uncapped player with a reduced retention fee of INR 4 crores.
This rule specifically applies to the former Indian skipper MS Dhoni, allowing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise to retain an experienced player for just INR 4 crores. The former CSK captain lastly played for India in the ICC World Cup 2019 semi-final match against New Zealand.
Several cricket fans and experts believed that IPL 2024 to be the last season for Dhoni with Chennai Super Kings. While few others believed that the 5-times winning ex-CSK captain would play one more edition by making his last attempt to guide his team to reach the playoffs and win the IPL trophy the sixth time.
However, the speculations related to MS Dhoni’s IPL career seem to be endless. Many fans are excited to watch the 43-year-old cricketer once again back in action wearing the yellow jersey.
As the last date for the franchise to submit the retention list is on October 31 (Thursday), the suspense about Dhoni’s availability for the Yellow Army increases day by day. However, CSK is expected to retain the skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, along with pace bowler Matheesha Pathirana, the all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja, and Shivam Dube before the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Kasi Viswanathan About MS Dhoni playing IPL 2025
In a recent event, Kasi Viswanathan shared a few facts saying that the team is in the process of working out an agreement with MS Dhoni about his retention in the IPL 2025 season:
“Yeah! We also expect MS Dhoni to play for CSK. But, MSD has not given any confirmation yet and said that he will tell before October 31. Hopefully, we could see him playing in the next season.
To be frank, I don’t have any idea at all. We haven’t requested anything from BCCI, and they have revealed to us the uncapped player rule saying that it could be implemented but haven’t announced anything so far.
Right now, we are not sure and might not even use the rule for MS Dhoni. Also, it’s too early to make a statement on this topic because we haven’t discussed anything with him. At present, Dhoni is in the US and this week I am also traveling. So, there are chances of having a few discussions in the forthcoming week so that we can get better clarity. Although, we are hoping for him to play. However, the final call will be taken by Dhoni himself,” Kasi Viswanathan said.
MS Dhoni’s Future with CSK Remains Uncertain: A Strategic or Sentimental Decision?
Rather than considering the sentiment towards CSK, MS Dhoni’s decision would certainly be a strategic one. By confirming his participation, the franchise would retain him as an uncapped player by spending INR 4 crores out of the INR 120 crore mega auction’s budget. As a result, CSK would get financial space to retain other quality players as well. This could be a major advantage as teams can retain upto six players ahead of the auction, with a maximum limit of five capped international cricketers.
MS Dhoni’s Role in IPL 2025: Beyond a Player
As an experienced member of the team, MS Dhoni’s presence with CSK remains valuable even if he doesn’t make a return as an active player of the squad.
Although MSD handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the IPL 2024 season opener, he exhibited the role of a senior mentor and motivated players with his exceptional leadership skills both on and off the field. Also, he made effective contributions as a lower-order batter by scoring 161 runs at an outstanding strike rate of 220. This proves that age isn’t a matter for him because even in the waning periods of his career, he can still be a game-changer.
Regardless of his role as a player, mentor, or coach, Dhoni will always remain the heart and soul of CSK.
A Final Question: Will MS Dhoni make a reappearance in IPL 2025?
While the speculations continue to increase at a peak level, the entire cricketing world waits for Dhoni’s final announcement before October 31. But, it is guaranteed that whatever decision MSD takes, it would prove beneficial to shape the future of CSK and the retention list submitted could open a new phase for the franchise.
Finally, fans can enjoy another new chapter in MS Dhoni’s long and successful career only if he decides to play another season in IPL 2025.
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