CSK CEO reveals plans to retain former captain Dhoni for IPL 2025

Despite speculation that 2024 would mark the end of his time with the Chennai Super Kings, there is still a possibility of Dhoni returning to the team at the age of 43 for one final push to qualify for the playoffs in the IPL.

However, the decision is not one that has been set in stone so far. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan was speaking at an event when he revealed where the team is in terms of reaching an agreement with Dhoni about retaining him for the next season.

“We also want Dhoni to play in the CSK team,” the CEO told Sports Vikatan. “But Dhoni has not confirmed it to us yet. Dhoni said, 'I will tell you before October 31.' We hope that he will play,” said Viswanathan, revealing that it is a waiting game for the Chennai franchise.

MS Dhoni is the most high-profile player that could benefit from the new uncapped player rule, which allows teams to retain former Indian internationals at the uncapped base price of INR 4 cr under the stipulation that they haven’t played internationally in the last 5 years.

Since Dhoni retired following the 2019 ODI World Cup, he could rejoin CSK at a discount price, which would allow the franchise to keep much of their core from the 2024 season. Although they missed the playoffs, it was in a very narrow fashion, losing out to Royal Challengers Bangalore in that famous final group stage match.

Dhoni has relinquished captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, but remains in the team as a senior mentor figure, and a player synonymous with the yellow jersey of CSK. He was also in solid batting form in the previous IPL, batting lower down the order, averaging 53 with a phenomenal strike rate of 220.55.

Dhoni doesn’t play competitive cricket other than the IPL, and that will be the biggest concern for a player who will be turning 44 years old next year and will likely be on wicket-keeping duties for the team.

IPL franchises have until that deadline of 31st October to announce their retentions list ahead of the auction in November.