MS Dhoni is likely to play the IPL in 2025 for Chennai Super Kings – a massive boost. Sources claim that the keeper-batter confirmed his participation well before the huge auction.
However, MS Dhoni will play in the IPL 2025, himself confirming Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan to Cricbuzz. The top official of the five-time Champions said that they are more than happy with the development and they don’t need anything else.
Kasi Viswanathan said: “When he is ready, what else do we want? We are happy.”
This is done after MS Dhoni, the man himself confirmed wanting to play the next season edition. He revealed this desire at an event saying that he wanted to enjoy the last years of cricket. He feels even though it was hard, he wanted to have emotional enjoyment from games.
Dhoni himself revealed that he would have to maintain himself to play the IPL but more importantly, he wants to chill. Quoting the Times of India, he had said:
“I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I can 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.”
Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Matheesha Pathirana also to be retained by CSK
The reports further stated that the MS Dhoni would call up franchise owner N Srinivasan to finalize the retention for his team. It has further been reported that the keeper-batter will be retained under the uncapped category in INR 4 crores. The rule had recently been reinstated by the BCCI, with provisions for retaining players who did not play international cricket over a period of five years as uncapped players.
The reports also stated that Ravindra Jadeja is going to be the first retention by the team while Ruturaj Gaikwad will be the second one. Matheesha Pathirana has agreed to be the third retention. Other than that, two of Shivam Dube, Devon Conway and uncapped player Sameer Rizvi, will be retained.
The last selection is likely to get confirmed after MS Dhoni discusses with N Srinivasan
The final list is going to be confirmed after MS Dhoni meets N Srinivasan. The official date for the declaration of the list of players released and retained is 31st October. Only time will tell who will be the 6 players.
Dhoni is one of the best captains to have played in the IPL and with most titles as a leader as under him CSK won five IPL titles under his captaincy. He had, before the IPL 2024, stepped down from the captaincy. Ruturaj Gaikwad has taken the baton and did decently as the captain of the team.
Dhoni scored 161 runs in 14 games for the IPL 2024 with a highest of 37 not out. Injuries kept forcing him to bat down the order for cameo knocks. He hit 13 sixes and 14 fours last year, and he would be looking to add more to the tally going ahead.