Has MS Dhoni donned the Chennai Super Kings jersey for the last time already? The legendary wicketkeeper has been at the center of the franchise since its inception, and its success means the world to him. To ensure that CSK keeps its winning legacy alive, Dhoni is willing to do so anytime, even if that means that he’s played his last match for the franchise.
A couple of days ago, a report suggested that CSK and Dhoni are yet to take a call on his participation as a player in the IPL 2025 season. It suggested that although Dhoni would be there in the dugout, he might be present as a mentor instead of a player. The decision was dependent on IPL’s rule regarding retentions. If CSK were allowed to make 5 or more retentions, Dhoni would play for at least one more season, but if not, he’d retire and become the franchise’s mentor.
MS Dhoni yet to take a call on retirement
Those reports have turned out to be true. In an event, MS Dhoni confirmed that he hasn’t decided whether he’ll play or not, and right now, his decision hinges on what the IPL and franchises think about. “There’s a lot of time left for the franchises and management to decide on the retention rules and everything. Right now, we don’t have the ball in our court. When the regulations are decided, then we will be able to take a call. At the end of the day, we will have to make a decision that is best for CSK, and that is the ultimate goal,” Dhoni said.
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Most franchises want more retentions
Yesterday (July 31), the BCCI office-bearers met with IPL franchise owners for a meeting. Although half a dozen things were on the agenda, the most continuous was retention. Franchises that have had good results due to a settled team like the Kolkata Knight Riders or Sunrisers Hyderabad preferred the idea of mini instead of mega auctions, which means that they are in favour of retaining more players. Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings want a mega auction/fewer retentions so they can start fresh every couple of years.
CSK would also be in the former camp, which would allow them to not only retain MS Dhoni but also other great players and ensure they have a strong core. In case they want to change things, a mini-auction will be held each year.
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