Introduction
MS Dhoni, the iconic “Thala” of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), remains silent about his participation in IPL 2025. With fans eagerly awaiting his decision, CSK and Dhoni are expected to meet in mid-October to discuss his potential retention. Recent reports suggest that the IPL Governing Council’s rule change could allow CSK to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player, further adding to the suspense. Let’s dive into the details and what this could mean for CSK’s strategy.
Dhoni’s Potential Uncapped Retention
Earlier this year, the IPL Governing Council reintroduced a rule that benefits teams looking to retain retired Indian players. According to the rule, Indian players who have not played international cricket for over five years can now be treated as uncapped players in the auction. This means that CSK can register Dhoni in the INR 4 crore category, a significant move that would free up funds for the team’s other big names ahead of the 2025 auction.
Reports from Cricbuzz indicate that Dhoni recently returned from a trip to the US and is likely to hold retention talks with CSK soon. With the October 31 retention deadline fast approaching, both parties are under pressure to make a decision.
CSK’s Retention Strategy for IPL 2025
Each IPL franchise is allowed to retain up to six players from their previous squad. This includes five capped players and a maximum of two uncapped players. Dhoni’s potential uncapped status allows CSK to maintain flexibility in their retention strategy, especially with other key players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja in the mix.
Ajay Jadeja, a former Indian cricketer, believes that Dhoni’s retention is a certainty. “MS Dhoni will surely be retained. There’s no doubt about it. His role as an uncapped player allows CSK to keep him at a lower cost, giving them room for other stars,” Jadeja said on JioCinema.
Key Players for CSK in IPL 2025
While Dhoni’s retention is a focal point, CSK has several other top performers they will look to keep for IPL 2025. Ruturaj Gaikwad, the young captain, has had an impressive season and will likely be one of the key retentions. Ravindra Jadeja, who plays a crucial role as an all-rounder, is another must-have for the team.
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra added his perspective, suggesting that CSK may not retain all five players. “I think CSK will go for 3-4 retentions. Gaikwad and Jadeja will be high-priced players, around INR 18 crore. If CSK wants to keep them, they’ll need to match that price. But Dhoni, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana are strong contenders for the remaining spots,” Chopra shared.
The Role of the Right to Match (RTM) Card
One tool CSK could use during the auction is the Right to Match (RTM) card. This allows a team to buy back a player from the auction pool at a lower price, after other teams have bid on them. Aakash Chopra believes CSK may use the RTM card strategically for Deepak Chahar, depending on his fitness.
“Deepak Chahar’s price will be high, especially if he’s healthy. The RTM card could help CSK get him at a cheaper rate. If they don’t use it, he could go for over INR 10-11 crore in the auction,” Chopra explained.
CSK may also use the RTM card for other players they are not initially retaining, such as Shivam Dube, who had a strong season.
Dhoni’s Future and CSK’s Legacy
MS Dhoni’s decision about his IPL future remains one of the most anticipated announcements ahead of IPL 2025. Dhoni has been the backbone of CSK’s success over the years, guiding them to multiple IPL titles. His calm demeanor and tactical brilliance make him invaluable, even as he nears the end of his playing career.
If Dhoni agrees to return as an uncapped player, it would allow CSK to retain their legendary captain while focusing on building a competitive squad for the future. The talks in mid-October will likely shape CSK’s overall retention strategy, with Dhoni at the center of it all.
Conclusion
As the IPL 2025 retention deadline approaches, MS Dhoni’s future with CSK remains uncertain. However, with the new IPL rule allowing him to be registered as an uncapped player, the chances of Dhoni continuing seem strong. CSK will likely prioritize retaining key players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja while considering the strategic use of the RTM card for others. All eyes will be on the mid-October meeting to see if the “Thala” continues his legendary journey with CSK. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
