MS Dhoni’s IPL 2025 Future: Will He Play?

MS Dhoni, often called “Thala” by his fans, has kept everyone guessing about his participation in the 2025 IPL season. Even though he retired from international cricket back in 2019, he continues to play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL. As of now, Dhoni hasn’t confirmed whether he will be a part of the IPL 2025, but a decision is expected soon after his meeting with the CSK management later this month.

What’s the Uncertainty About?

Dhoni’s future in the IPL became a hot topic after the IPL Governing Council reintroduced an old rule for Indian players. According to this rule, any Indian player who hasn’t played international cricket in the last five years can be treated as an uncapped player. This means CSK can retain Dhoni as an uncapped player, which could save them some money during the auction.

CSK has not yet held talks with Dhoni regarding his retention as a player for the 2025 season. However, reports suggest that both sides will discuss this matter in mid-October.

Why Dhoni’s Future Matters to CSK Fans

MS Dhoni is not just any player for Chennai Super Kings; he is a symbol of their success. Having led the team to multiple IPL titles, his leadership and calmness have been unmatched. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if Dhoni will continue to wear the yellow jersey in 2025.

Ajay Jadeja, a former Indian cricketer, is confident that CSK will retain Dhoni. According to Jadeja, Dhoni’s contribution to the team goes beyond just his performance on the field. Even as an uncapped player, Dhoni’s value to the team is immense.

Other Players CSK May Retain

While Dhoni’s retention is likely, CSK also has other players who had strong performances in 2024. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is now the captain of CSK, had a great year and is expected to be retained. Ravindra Jadeja is another key player who cannot be overlooked.

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that CSK will use the Right to Match (RTM) card to retain some players during the auction. The RTM card allows teams to match the highest bid made for their players in the auction, giving them a chance to buy back the player at the same price.

Shivam Dube and Deepak Chahar are two players CSK might consider keeping. Dube had an excellent season and could fetch a high price at the auction if CSK doesn’t retain him beforehand.

Dhoni’s Decision and the Road Ahead

Dhoni recently returned from a trip to the United States, and now that he is back in India, a final decision on his IPL future is expected soon. Sources suggest that he will have a conversation with CSK management about his role for the 2025 season, and this could happen by mid-October.

The big question on everyone’s mind is whether Dhoni will step on the field once more, or if this will be the end of an era. As we wait for the official announcement, fans around the world remain hopeful that they’ll get to see their beloved “Captain Cool” in action for one last time.

The IPL Auction and What to Expect

The IPL 2025 auction is just around the corner, and the reintroduction of the uncapped player rule has changed the dynamics. If Dhoni agrees to continue, CSK can retain him for INR 4 crore, which would give them more flexibility in the auction to spend on other players.

Teams are allowed to retain up to six players, with a maximum of two uncapped players. Given Dhoni’s uncapped status, CSK could save some money while keeping one of the most experienced and impactful players in IPL history.

What Will Dhoni Decide?

With millions of fans waiting for an answer, Dhoni holds the key to the next season. Whether he plays or not, his contribution to the IPL and CSK is already legendary. For now, we wait to see if 2025 will be the year where Dhoni continues to inspire millions or chooses to walk away from the game he has graced for so long.