MS Dhoni, former India, and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain landed back in India after his vacation in the USA. Images of Dhoni watching an American football game at a stadium in the US went viral a few days ago.
On the other hand, speculations about his retention were rife in India, despite the BCCI and IPL governing bodies yet to declare the retention rules ahead of the mega auction. The next development related to Dhoni and the Indian Premier League (IPL) is whether the eagerly-awaited IPL retention rules allow CSK to retain their icon or if he will go into the auction pool.
As per the Indian Express report, MS Dhoni hasn’t committed or ruled himself out from playing in IPL 2025.
“We are yet to hear from him. Once the BCCI makes a formal decision on the number of retentions, we will have a clear picture,” sources in the franchise told The Indian Express.
If Dhoni agrees to play in the 2025 edition, he will be one of five players retained by CSK. Dhoni may accept retention under the lowest pay category under the retention terms that the IPL Governing Council will adopt.
During the club owners' meeting with IPL Governing Council members on August 1, there was talk about reintroducing the rule that allows teams to retain players who resigned from international cricket five years ago in the uncapped category. Clarity on this is expected only after the IPL reveals its retention regulations.
Fitness is also an issue as Dhoni played IPL 2023 with a knee injury, for which he underwent surgery right after the tournament. Then in IPL 2024, Dhoni played with a hamstring pull throughout the season. He had also passed on the captaincy baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Dhoni mostly batted in the end overs, scoring just 161 runs off the 73 deliveries he faced in 11 innings. Despite his limited appearances, he ended with a career-best IPL strike rate of 220.55.
While there is still no word on Dhoni, Chennai is expected to keep Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, and Matheesha Pathirana. It is understood that the franchise has already negotiated an agreement with the Sri Lankan pacer, who was purchased for a base price of Rs 20 lakh.
If the IPL permits the retention of more than one overseas player, it will be interesting to observe how CSK handles the situation. Devon Conway, who can also be a wicketkeeper, has a high chance.
There is also the possibility of CSK retaining either Rachin Ravindra or Daryl Mitchell ahead of Conway ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Rachin is seen as a player for the future and recently trained at CSK’s High-Performance Centre ahead of New Zealand’s tour of Sri Lanka.
