CSK confirms the retention of MS Dhoni for IPL 2025? Check details

There are months left before the IPL 2025 kicks off next year. However, the excitement for the next season is touching the sky with a mega auction scheduled ahead of the edition. The last mega auction was observed in IPL 2022 when Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants were added to the team pool. Two seasons down the lane, IPL 2025 will feature a mega auction as the 10 teams will look to reshuffle their core. There is a lot of anticipation regarding team selection with BCCI keeping the retention and RTM details under wraps. However, a new development suggests that no matter the number of retentions allotted this season, CSK will retain MS Dhoni if the former skipper decides to extend his stay in the T20 league.

CSK inclined to retain MS Dhoni for IPL 2025, unfazed by the retention rules of BCCI

There has been considerable speculation regarding the potential retention rules for IPL 2025. While reports suggest that no consensus has been reached among the franchises, and the BCCI is yet to make an official announcement. However, the latest update as put forth by Cricbuzz, indicates that Chennai Super Kings are set on retaining MS Dhoni regardless of how many players they are permitted to keep ahead of the upcoming season. Some reports suggest that the BCCI may introduce a rule placing Dhoni in the 'uncapped' category. But the five-time IPL champions appear determined to hold onto their veteran wicketkeeper-batter, no matter what adjustments are made to the retention policy.

CSK claimed MS Dhoni in the inaugural IPL auction. Since then, the World Cup winning Indian captain has been retained by the franchise every season. Under Dhoni’s leadership, CSK has won five IPL titles, equaling Mumbai Indians as the most successful IPL team. However, following Chennai’s title win in IPL 2023, Dhoni stepped down from captaincy ahead of IPL 2024. Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad took charge of the team in the last season under Dhoni’s guidance. While Dhoni is no longer playing the leading role, Dhoni's presence with the franchise remains vital, and CSK is expected to keep him regardless of the BCCI's possible rule changes.

This retention decision could potentially extend to other players as well, such as Sunil Narine, who retired from international cricket after his last T20I appearance in 2019. The general assumption is that labelling retired players as 'uncapped' may not heavily influence the auction purse, as the BCCI is expected to deduct a portion of the franchises' purse based on the number of players retained. This would allow teams to determine player salaries without needing to follow the current model of assigning specific values to retained players.