As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction approaches, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made strategic choices to stabilize their team. CSK, known for their consistent performance over the years, is transitioning with seasoned players like MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ajinkya Rahane, paving the way for emerging talents such as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube. Though it was anticipated that Dhoni might end his IPL journey last season, he will continue to play in the 2025 edition.

Retained Players for IPL 2024

With fans expecting Dhoni to lead the team in 2024, CSK made retention decisions accordingly. The franchise held on to some of their key players, including Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, and Ravindra Jadeja, while retaining a total of 19 players. The franchise released only seven players, keeping a large portion of their squad intact. Ambati Rayudu, who retired from the IPL, was among those not retained.

Here is a look at the retained players, their roles, and prices:

Players Released by CSK

CSK released seven players before IPL 2024. Among the released players are Ambati Rayudu, who retired, and others who did not make the cut in the current squad:

Players Bought in IPL 2024 Auction

CSK made some strategic buys in the IPL 2024 auction, adding a mix of international and domestic talent to strengthen their squad:

With these moves, CSK looks to maintain their strong presence while preparing for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction.

As IPL 2025 approaches, speculation continues about MS Dhoni’s potential participation in the tournament. After almost two decades in the league, Dhoni remains one of the most iconic and sought-after players, having led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to multiple titles. With the recent update from CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan, fans are eagerly waiting for clarity on whether “Thala Dhoni” will make an appearance in the upcoming season.

MS Dhoni’s Status for IPL 2025

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reintroduced a rule stating that players who have not represented the country in the last five years are treated as “uncapped players” and can be signed for up to INR 4 crore. Given that Dhoni last played for India during the 2019 World Cup semifinals, this rule has led to speculation that he may fall into this uncapped category, potentially affecting his participation in IPL 2025.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan on Dhoni’s Future

Kasi Viswanathan recently spoke with the Times of India about Dhoni’s potential role in IPL 2025. He mentioned that while there has not yet been a formal discussion with Dhoni regarding his participation, the team remains hopeful. “We are not sure at this stage. We might not even use it for MS Dhoni,” Viswanathan said. He added that it’s still early to make any definitive comments, especially since Dhoni was in the US and discussions are yet to happen. Viswanathan anticipates clarity once conversations with Dhoni take place, which could be in the coming week.

“We are hopeful of him playing, but it’s a call Dhoni will himself make,” he added, leaving the decision in the hands of the legendary CSK captain.

Dhoni’s Recent History in Cricket

Since his last international match for India in the 2019 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, Dhoni has only appeared in the IPL. Last season, Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, reflecting the team’s focus on the future. However, his potential participation in IPL 2025 remains one of the most talked-about topics in the cricketing world.

With discussions set to take place soon, fans of CSK and Dhoni alike will be eagerly awaiting an update on his decision.

Speculation is growing around whether MS Dhoni will be retained by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for ₹4 crore ahead of IPL 2025 under the new uncapped player rule. However, a key question remains—will Dhoni even play in the upcoming IPL season?

The Uncapped Player Rule and MS Dhoni’s Future The IPL Governing Council’s recent reinstatement of the uncapped player rule, which allows an Indian player who has not represented the national team for over five years to be considered “uncapped” in the league, has sparked discussions about Dhoni’s future. This change could see CSK retain their legendary captain for just ₹4 crore, but only if he decides to play in IPL 2025.

Ravichandran Ashwin weighed in on the topic on his Hindi YouTube channel, “Ash Ki Baat.” Ashwin acknowledged that the rule was part of the IPL earlier and has only been reinstated. However, he expressed uncertainty regarding Dhoni’s plans, saying, “Dhoni bhai announced his retirement in 2019, but we don’t know if MSD will play or not.”

Ashwin Unsure About Dhoni’s Plans Ashwin emphasized that MS Dhoni is not someone who reveals his decisions until the last moment. “I really don’t know if he will play, I have no clue. MS Dhoni is the kind of person who doesn’t reveal anything till the last moment,” Ashwin explained. He referenced Dhoni’s cryptic responses during previous seasons, such as when he dismissed speculation about his retirement during the COVID-hit season, saying “definitely not” when asked if it was his last.

Currently, Dhoni is enjoying his time off, which has only added to the mystery around his potential IPL return. Ashwin pointed out, “All I saw of him was, him on a vacation and then driving around in his car.”

Is CSK’s ₹4 Crore Retention Plan “Far-Fetched”? The possibility of retaining Dhoni for ₹4 crore under the uncapped player provision might be far-fetched if the player himself does not intend to return for IPL 2025. While this rule would make it financially viable for CSK to retain their iconic leader, Dhoni’s retirement status and future participation in the league remain unclear. The team and fans alike may need to wait until the final moment to hear from the man himself.

With Dhoni’s penchant for making last-minute decisions, whether the ‘Thala’ of CSK will walk out onto the field in yellow once again remains a suspenseful story to unfold.

With the IPL 2025 mega auction approaching, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are gearing up to make their retention decisions. One of the most asked questions is whether MS Dhoni will continue playing in the IPL, and the answer is yes. Thanks to the uncapped players’ provision, CSK is set to retain their iconic captain, Dhoni, along with a few other key players.

Here’s a look at the players CSK might retain ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction and the potential retention slots they will occupy.

CSK’s Retained Players for IPL 2025

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad

As CSK’s current captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to be their top retention choice. He was appointed as the captain ahead of IPL 2024, taking over from MS Dhoni. Despite CSK missing out on the playoffs last season, Ruturaj remains pivotal to their future plans, and retaining him at ₹18 crore will be a significant investment in their leadership.

2. Ravindra Jadeja

CSK veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is likely to be the second choice for retention. While the minimum amount for this slot is ₹14 crore, Jadeja’s current salary stands at ₹16 crore. It remains to be seen if CSK will retain him at the reduced rate of ₹14 crore or decide to match his current pay, acknowledging his value to the team.

3. Matheesha Pathirana

Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana is expected to be the third retention choice. This will see his pay jump significantly from ₹20 lakh to ₹11 crore. Pathirana had a promising IPL 2024 season, playing in six matches and taking 12 wickets before an injury ruled him out. His potential makes him a strong candidate for a long-term role in the CSK squad.

4. MS Dhoni (Uncapped Player)

CSK’s beloved captain, MS Dhoni, is set to be retained as an uncapped player in IPL 2025. This decision will result in a pay cut for Dhoni, who will receive ₹4 crore compared to the ₹12 crore he earned in IPL 2024. Despite the pay reduction, Dhoni’s retention is crucial for CSK’s strategy, both on and off the field, as he continues to play a pivotal role in guiding the team.

Summary

CSK’s likely retention strategy for IPL 2025 focuses on retaining key leadership and young talent. With Ruturaj Gaikwad at the helm, Ravindra Jadeja’s experience, Pathirana’s bowling potential, and MS Dhoni’s legendary status, CSK aims to build a balanced squad for the upcoming season while ensuring they retain their core players.

The future of MS Dhoni’s IPL career continues to be a major topic of discussion. As fans eagerly wait for any official word on whether he will retire from the IPL, speculation is growing about what lies ahead for the cricketing legend.

Suresh Raina, a close friend and former teammate, recently expressed his hopes that Dhoni will consider playing in the Legends League Cricket (LLC) after his IPL retirement. During an event for the upcoming LLC season, Raina shared that he would love to see Dhoni in the league, although he mentioned that any talks about this would likely be between Dhoni and the LLC organizers. Raina, who has been a prominent player in the LLC, said that only time will tell how many more years Dhoni will continue in the IPL.

Dhoni has been a cornerstone of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and there’s still uncertainty about his future with the team. However, CSK has reassured fans that Dhoni’s decision to stay or retire rests entirely with him. Despite the ongoing debates, his fans are hopeful that he will continue to play in the IPL for at least one more season.

As for the Legends League Cricket, the third edition is scheduled to start on September 20. The league will feature some of the game’s most iconic players, and Raina, who will lead one of the teams, is certainly excited about the prospect of his longtime teammate joining him on the field again.

The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season is set to be a crucial one for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Last season, Ruturaj Gaikwad led the team as captain, while MS Dhoni provided silent leadership from behind the scenes. However, CSK might face a significant change this year, as there is speculation that Dhoni may not continue as an active player.

MS Dhoni’s Future Role in CSK:

It is widely believed that if Dhoni retires as a player, he will still be part of the CSK family in a different capacity, possibly as a coach or mentor. His experience and leadership qualities are invaluable, and the team will likely continue to benefit from his guidance.

Key Players CSK Might Retain:

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad: Gaikwad, who scored 583 runs last season, is seen as a future leader for CSK. Despite the team not making it to the playoffs under his captaincy, his batting prowess makes him a crucial retention for the team.

2. Maheesh Pathirana: The young Sri Lankan bowler has made a significant impact in a short time, establishing himself as a match-winner. CSK is expected to retain him, recognizing his potential and contribution.

3. Shivam Dube: Known for his performance during the death overs, Dube has shown great promise. His rapport with Dhoni and his contributions last season make him a likely candidate for retention.

4. Ravindra Jadeja: As a core member of CSK, Jadeja’s all-around skills and experience are invaluable. Although he has retired from T20Is, he is expected to continue playing in the IPL for a few more years, and CSK will likely retain him to ensure stability in the team.

As CSK prepares for the upcoming season, these decisions will be critical in shaping the team’s future and maintaining its competitive edge in the IPL.

Rishabh Pant, currently the third-highest run-scorer and fourth-most dismissals as a wicketkeeper in IPL history, faces an uncertain future with the Delhi Capitals (DC). Recent reports suggest that the DC management is unhappy with Pant’s captaincy and may not retain him for the IPL 2025 season.

The news follows Suryakumar Yadav’s recent appointment as India’s new T20I captain, replacing Hardik Pandya. Amid these developments, Sourav Ganguly, who is expected to become DC’s new head coach, is reportedly keen on keeping Pant. However, should Pant leave, he might join the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a move that has sparked considerable interest.

CSK, led by the legendary MS Dhoni, could be looking for a new wicketkeeper and leader as Dhoni’s physical struggles and reduced involvement in recent seasons have raised questions about his future. Pant, at 26, is seen as a strong candidate to step into Dhoni’s shoes, potentially offering CSK a dynamic and experienced replacement.

With Dhoni possibly nearing the end of his career, Pant’s potential arrival could be a fitting transition for the Yellow Army.