Since 2008, one name that has been synonymous with the five-time champion Chennai Super Kings is MS Dhoni. The star wicketkeeper has provided countless memories for the team with his batting, leadership, and wicketkeeping skills. However, recent news suggests that Dhoni’s participation in the 2025 IPL could be difficult.
Although nothing is confirmed yet, there is a lot of speculation that we haven’t seen in the past. Recently, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan want a change in the IPL 2025 auction: the reintroduction of a rule that existed from 2008 to 2021. This rule stated that if a player had retired from international cricket for five or more years, they would be classified as an uncapped player. This suggestion by CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has led to speculation that it could allow MS Dhoni to be retained through this route.
However, it is also true that there is a strong possibility that CSK will look to secure more wicketkeeping options and prepare them in case Dhoni does not play. While there is still a chance that Dhoni could return, it’s important to consider what options CSK might see if he doesn’t. Will they bid high for wicketkeepers? If so, who are the players that could become CSK’s new wicketkeeper? Let’s take a look at the three options CSK may consider if MS Dhoni doesn’t play in IPL 2025.
Wicketkeepers CSK may look for in IPL 2025 mega auction
KL Rahul
With 258 games and 190 dismissals, there is no question that MS Dhoni is a stalwart of CSK and Indian cricket. When discussing CSK, one player they may target is KL Rahul. Rahul provides solidity at the top of the batting order and has proven himself as an excellent wicketkeeper with 56 catches and 7 stumpings.
His glovework was also impressive during the last ODI World Cup. There is no doubt that CSK may find it hard to find a better replacement than him in the next IPL. He could be a high-value player in the upcoming auction, as news suggests that LSG may not retain him.
If LSG does not retain Rahul, there is a possibility that teams like RCB and CSK will look to acquire him, especially since RCB has already lost their wicketkeeper with Dinesh Karthik’s retirement and CSK might face a similar issue. It will be interesting to see if CSK makes a significant bid for KL Rahul in the IPL 2025 auction.
Rishabh Pant
With 72 catches and 23 stumpings in the IPL, southpaw Rishabh Pant also looks like a strong contender for the role. It has come to light that the Delhi Capitals are considering options for a new skipper, as they have been dissatisfied with Pant’s captaincy in recent years. Delhi Capitals, who recently sacked their head coach Ricky Ponting, are reportedly looking for a replacement for Pant.
Pant, who made his comeback in 2024 after surviving a horrific car accident, may seek a new team in IPL 2025. If MS Dhoni transitions from player to mentor in the next IPL, there could be a gap in the wicketkeeping position that this young superstar might fill.
Ishan Kishan
One surprising name who might receive an exciting call is Ishan Kishan. There is a major reason behind this, Mumbai Indians, packed with stars like Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Rohit Sharma, are likely to prioritize retaining these players over Kishan. This could mean that Kishan may be released ahead of IPL 2025. Kishan, who has been under scrutiny and is currently out of the Indian cricket team, will be looking for strong opportunities, and playing for CSK could be a significant turnaround for him.
With 99 catches and 5 stumpings in over 100 IPL games, Kishan’s career has been impressive. Like Pant, he offers left-handed batting with explosive power. There is a good possibility that CSK may also consider him, along with the other two names mentioned, if MS Dhoni decides to hang up his boots as a CSK player.
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