New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are reportedly yet to hear back from former captain MS Dhoni regarding his plans and availability for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Dhoni is yet to address concerns regarding his future in the IPL and remains a vital cog in the CSK line-up. The legendary wicket-keeper batter stepped down from captaincy last season to hand over the baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad but he remains the undisputed leader in the team.
Dhoni was expected to be retained by the five-time champions as an uncapped player after the BCCI reinstated the uncapped player rule. The rule allows a team to retain a retired player, who is without a BCCI central contract or has not featured in India’s playing XI for at least five years leading to the relevant season, to be retained as an uncapped player in the IPL mega auction.
CSK appeared set to utilise the rule to keep hold of Dhoni as an uncapped player for Rs 4 crore which would have ensured they didn’t hurt their overall purse. However, as per a report in Sports Tak, Dhoni has not confirmed whether he wants to play next year and if he is ready to be retained as an uncapped player.
With just over two weeks left for the deadline (October 31) for the franchises to confirm their final retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, CSK are left in limbo over Dhoni’s future. Dhoni was supposed to meet the CSK owners this month but has yet to revert. The ex-CSK captain will himself make a decision regarding his future.
“We have approached him but he hasn’t reverted to us. As far as the meeting and other discussions related to the next IPL season are concerned, we are yet to hear from him. Once we meet, decisions will be taken,” a source was quoted as saying by Sports Tak.
“It’s his call. We never take any decision about Dhoni,” the source added.
Who can be CSK’s likely retentions ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction?
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might retain 4 players, including Dhoni ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. If Dhoni agrees to be retained as an uncapped player, CSK are likely to give skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja the top two retention spots. Shivam Dube or Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana can be CSK’s 3rd retention at Rs 11 crore. However, it remains to be seen how the five-time champions will plan their retentions ahead of the all-important mega auction.
