MS Dhoni's IPL Future: Will He Play in IPL 2025?

As the IPL 2025 retention deadline and mega auction approach, the future of MS Dhoni in the IPL remains uncertain. At 43 years old, speculation is rife about whether Dhoni will take the field again in . However, there has been a key update from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kashi Viswanathan regarding Dhoni’s potential return to the league.

Speaking at an event, Kashi Viswanathan shared insights about CSK’s stance on retaining Dhoni for the upcoming season. He told Sports Wickton, “We also want Dhoni to play for CSK. But Dhoni hasn’t confirmed it yet. He has said that he will tell us before October 31. We hope he plays, but for now, we are waiting for his decision.”

Dhoni’s Future with CSK: Uncapped Player Rule

Dhoni’s potential return could benefit from the IPL’s uncapped player rule, which allows teams to retain former Indian players at a base price of ₹4 crore if they haven’t played international cricket for India in the past five years. Since Dhoni retired from international cricket after the 2019 ODI World Cup, this rule could help CSK retain him at a lower price, giving the franchise flexibility to retain other core players from the 2024 season.

Dhoni’s Role with CSK

While Dhoni has handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, he continues to play an integral role in the team as a senior mentor. Dhoni is synonymous with CSK’s yellow jersey and remains a fan favorite. In the 2023 IPL, Dhoni performed impressively, batting in the lower order and scoring runs with an average of 53 and a strike rate of 220.

Dhoni’s Legacy with CSK

MS Dhoni has been the iconic leader of Chennai Super Kings since the team’s inception in 2008. Under his captaincy, CSK has won five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023), making them one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. Dhoni’s legacy at CSK is unmatched, and fans eagerly await his decision on whether he will play in IPL 2025.

With the decision expected before October 31, the future of MS Dhoni in the IPL remains a topic of immense interest for fans, the CSK franchise, and the cricketing world.