Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the five-time IPL champions, are preparing for the upcoming IPL 2025 player auction, but uncertainty looms over MS Dhoni's future with the franchise. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is close to finalising the retention rules, CSK awaits a clear decision from Dhoni, who has not yet confirmed whether he will participate in the next IPL season.
Currently, in the United States, Dhoni has neither committed to playing in IPL 2025 nor ruled himself out. Sources within the franchise revealed that his decision will greatly impact CSK’s retention strategy. "We are still waiting to hear from him. Once the BCCI makes the official retention rules public, we will have a clearer picture," said a CSK insider.
Should Dhoni choose to play, he is expected to be among the five retained players. It is likely that Dhoni would settle for the lowest retention pay category, adhering to the yet-to-be-drafted retention rules. Interestingly, discussions during a meeting on August 1 between IPL team owners and the IPL Governing Council hinted at a possible rule allowing franchises to retain players who retired from international cricket five years ago as uncapped players. A decision on this is still pending.
Dhoni’s future has been a topic of intense speculation since CSK’s early exit from IPL 2024. At 43, Dhoni played the entire season with a leg niggle, handing over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the tournament. Although he batted mainly in the final overs, accumulating 161 runs in 11 innings, Dhoni still recorded a career-best strike rate of 220.55. Having already transitioned the captaincy, the franchise is prepared for both outcomes regarding his future.
Regardless of Dhoni’s decision, CSK has already started looking for a wicketkeeper who can fit into their playing XI and adapt to the conditions at Chepauk. The franchise has also confirmed its intent to retain key players such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, with the latter reportedly agreeing to a deal after being signed at a base price of ₹20 lakh.
If IPL retention rules permit retaining more than one overseas player, CSK faces an intriguing decision. While Devon Conway, who can also keep wickets, is a strong contender, CSK’s investment in all-rounders Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell could influence their choices. Rachin, seen as a long-term asset, recently trained at CSK’s High-Performance Centre, further boosting his chances of retention.
As the IPL 2025 auction approaches, Dhoni’s decision will remain a key factor in shaping CSK’s retention and auction strategy.