CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan talks about retaining MS Dhoni for IPL 2025

The five-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings, were arguably one of the most discussed teams ahead of the IPL 2025 retention announcement. The central focus of the discussion was the widely-loved former skipper of the side, MS Dhoni. Confirming widespread speculation, CSK retained the 43-year-old World Cup-winning captain under the newly-revived 'uncapped player' criteria. Having retired from Indian cricket in 2019, Chennai's beloved 'Thala' fit seamlessly into the criteria, which specified that any player who has not represented the national team in the last five years can be retained as an 'uncapped' player. CSK moved quickly, securing Dhoni for ₹4 crore ahead of the mega auction. In a recent interaction, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan expressed the franchise's commitment to continuing with Dhoni for as long as the five-time champion wishes to play.

"The doors are always open": CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan opines on MS Dhoni playing in IPL

In a chat with ex-CSK player Ambati Rayudu, Viswanathan mentioned that as long as Dhoni wishes to continue playing, the franchise will always welcome him. Apart from the forgettable 2016 and 2017 editions when CSK was banned from the league, Dhoni has been at the center of CSK's plans since the inaugural season of the IPL. The legendary player, moreover, has led the team to the ultimate title win five times, building its reputation as one of the most successful franchises alongside Mumbai Indians. However, now that Dhoni has entered the twilight of his IPL career, speculations were rife about his retirement. Putting those rumors to rest, Dhoni's participation in IPL 2025 was confirmed when CSK retained him as an uncapped player ahead of the mega auction.

"As far as Mahi bhai (brother) is concerned, you know he keeps everything to himself. It comes out at the last moment only. Knowing the passion he has for CSK, and also knowing the following he has, and he also mentioned in one of the interviews that he'll play his last game in Chennai, we're hoping that he will continue as far as CSK is concerned. As long as MS wants to play, the doors are open. Knowing him, his commitment, and his dedication, I'm sure he'll always take the right decision," said Viswanathan talking about the iconic cricketer.

Alongside Dhoni, CSK has successfully retained their core, including skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja, both at ₹18 crore, and Shivam Dube at ₹12 crore. Matheesha Pathirana remains their sole retained overseas player with a contract worth ₹13 crore. After using five retention slabs, CSK will head to the IPL 2025 mega auction with a remaining purse of 53 crore. With just one RTM available, the franchise is likely to claim Devon Conway in the auction before they bid for other players.