MS Dhoni was asked about the ongoing discussions and rumors about the IPL 2025 player retentions before the mega auction and the ex-India player came up with a hilarious answer.

The deadline for IPL 2025 retentions is Thursday, and experts and fans have been predicting which major names will make it into the super auction. While neither the BCCI nor the franchises have announced anything, the speculation mill has been in full swing, with many well-known players making headlines.

"Everyone is a team owner now. Whatever player they desire, whichever player is going up for auction, and whoever they decide to purchase, we should be prepared for it. IPL auction works in mysterious ways,” Dhoni said at an event.

Dhoni, who led the Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles, has declared that he will participate in IPL 2025. The experienced wicket-keeper batsman is anticipated to be retained by Chennai Super Kings for only Rs 4 crores, courtesy of a rule reinstated by the BCCI for this auction.

According to the law, an Indian cricket team player is regarded as 'uncapped' if he has not played for the national team in the previous five years.

“People enter the auction, and there's the uncertainty of where you'll end up. The most delightful aspect comes from the fans. They are the ones who make predictions on which team a certain player will end up with. Look, you find yourself in a market where all teams are well-funded," Dhoni explained.

"Whoever acquires you, you will need to perform for them. That certainly is the beauty of the IPL auction. It's not simply a trade; rather, it involves one player being moved to another franchise. You have the freedom to go wherever you desire," Dhoni added.

(NDTV inputs)