Even though the BCCI is close to finalising the number of player retentions allowed, Chennai Super Kings still await confirmation on MS Dhoni’s availability for the next edition of the Indian Premier League. The Indian Express understands that Dhoni, who is in the United States right now, has neither committed to playing the IPL in 2025 nor ruled himself out just yet.
With the transition in captaincy being smooth, and a big player auction upcoming, it would be interesting to see what Dhoni decides. “We are yet to hear from him. Once the BCCI makes a formal decision on the number of retentions, we will have a clear picture,” sources in the franchise told The Indian Express.
If Dhoni is open to playing the 2025 edition, he is going to be among the five players retained by CSK. There is also a strong possibility that Dhoni would settle for the lowest pay category as per the retention rules set to be drafted by the IPL Governing Council. During the team owners’ meeting with the IPL Governing Council members on August 1, there were discussions about bringing back the rule which will allow franchises to retain players who retired from international cricket five years ago in the uncapped category. Clarity on this is expected only when the IPL announces its retention rules.
After CSK’s ouster in the league stage of the IPL this year, there has been plenty of speculation about Dhoni’s future. The former India and CSK captain, who turned 43 this July, played the entire season with a niggle in his leg. Having handed over captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad on the eve of the tournament this year, Dhoni mostly batted in the end overs, scoring just 161 runs off the 73 deliveries he faced in 11 innings. Despite his limited appearances, he ended with a career best IPL strike rate of 220.55.
Having already passed on the captaincy baton, it is understood that the franchise is prepared for both eventualities regarding Dhoni. It is learnt that the franchise has already set its sights on acquiring a wicketkeeper – who would fit into the XI and the conditions at Chepauk – irrespective of whether Dhoni continues to play or not.
Pathirana to be retained
While there is still no clarity around Dhoni, Chennai are set to retain Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja and Matheesha Pathirana. It is understood that the franchise has already reached an agreement with the Sri Lankan pacer, who was acquired at a base price of Rs 20 lakh.
In case the IPL allows more than one overseas player to be retained, it would be interesting to see how CSK go about it. Devon Conway, who can also double up as a wicketkeeper, stands a strong chance. However, having invested in the all-round capabilities of Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell, it won’t come as a surprise if CSK retain one of them ahead of Conway. Rachin is seen as a player for the future and recently trained at CSK’s High Performance Centre ahead of New Zealand’s tour of Sri Lanka.
In case Dhoni opts against playing, the question for CSK is whether to retain five players or build a team largely from the auction pool.
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