Have we seen the last of MS Dhoni as a player in the IPL? This question will continue to be raised. Amid all the reports swirling around regarding the retention policy for the 2025 edition, it was bound that the mind goes, Will Dhoni play for CSK? We’d heard that Dhoni might take up the mentor role for the Chennai Super Kings, but that was rubbished by the franchise’s CEO, Kasi Viswanathan.
Despite saying that, it seems like a concrete decision either by CSK or Dhoni has been taken regarding his future. “We are yet to hear from him,” a source inside the franchise told IndianExpress. This definitely adds up as the former Chennai captain had been on vacation to the USA and returned just yesterday.
As of now, it’s been speculated that the number of retentions for the IPL 2025 mega auction will be 5, which is an increase from the last mega auction (4). No Right to Match (RTM) cards will be allowed in the mega auction, and a maximum of two overseas players can be retained. However, this hasn’t been confirmed yet.
“Once the BCCI makes a formal decision on the number of retentions, we will have a clear picture,” said the source, highlighting why they can’t take a call yet.
MS Dhoni, phasing out
Dhoni has slowly been planning his departure. He has already given up captaincy twice. Although he had to return following Ravindra Jadeja’s horrible run as CSK’s captain in 2022, he handed the full responsibility to Ruturaj Gaikwad and won’t take back that decision.
CSK bagged Avanish Rao Aravelly, a wicketkeeper batter who played for India in the 2024 Under-19 World Cup. The 19-year-old travelled with the CSK throughout the IPL 2024 season but couldn’t get a game. It is learned that CSK will go for a wicketkeeper in the upcoming mega auction irrespective of Dhoni’s participation plans next season.
