Chennai Super Kings and all other Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are currently putting their plans in place for the IPL 2025 auction with the number of retentions and other rules awaited from BCCI. Once the number of retentions that will be allowed per team is announced, the franchises will be able to finalize which players to retain, and which ones to let go.
With clouds of uncertainty hanging over the participation of MS Dhoni, his former teammate and deputy Suresh Raina has stated that he wants Thala to play in IPL 2025 to help further groom Ruturaj Gaikwad. Ahead of the IPL 2024 season, Dhoni stepped down as captain of the Yellow Army, handing over the reins to Gaikwad.
The five-time IPL champions narrowly missed out on a playoffs berth, although there were certainly promising signs with Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the side. Often, Dhoni was seen advising the youngster and Raina would like to see more of the same during the IPL 2025 season.
"I want MS Dhoni to play in IPL 2025, considering how he batted last year. I feel Ruturaj Gaikwad needs one more year, the way he captained and a lot of things were said after the loss to RCB. However, Ruturaj has done a great job," Suresh Raina told Sportstak.
Earlier, MS Dhoni had hinted that he might be willing to play in the IPL 2025 edition, but he will wait till the announcement from BCCI regarding the retention slots and have a word with CSK before taking a call on his future.
Last season, the legendary wicketkeeper batter scored 161 runs in 14 matches with a strike rate of 220.25 and his highest score was 37 runs. Clearly, Dhoni is heading closer to retirement and the veteran is willing to contribute, but will not hamper the development of young players.
Earlier, reports had claimed that Chennai Super Kings were hoping to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player since he retired from international cricket five years ago. The BCCI is pondering to revive the rule that was in place back in 2008 although the situation would become clearer once the apex board makes the announcement on the retentions. As per ESPNcrininfo, IPL is likely to make the retention rules known in the first week of September.