Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni’s participation in IPL 2025 is still uncertain. CSK’s CEO Kasi Viswanathan recently shared that Dhoni has not yet confirmed whether he will play next season. The franchise is eager to retain their legendary skipper, but the final decision rests with Dhoni.
The deadline for teams to submit their retention lists is October 31, and CSK hopes to hear from Dhoni before that date. If he decides to play, the management is ready to include him, even under the new IPL rules that allow retired players to return as uncapped players.
Uncapped Player Rule May Open Doors for Dhoni
In an interesting development, IPL’s updated rules allow players who retired from international cricket five or more years ago to rejoin as uncapped players. Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020 but last played for India in 2019, qualifies under this provision. If he opts to continue, CSK could bring him back into the squad as an uncapped player for Rs 4 crore.
CSK Hopes for Dhoni’s Return Despite Captaincy Change
Under Dhoni’s leadership, CSK clinched their fifth IPL title in 2023. After that season, Ruturaj Gaikwad took over the captaincy, but CSK’s performance dipped, and they missed the playoffs. Now, with the mega auction scheduled for November, the team is hoping Dhoni will rejoin the squad to strengthen their core and bring back his magic.
Dhoni’s Impact and Legacy with CSK
MS Dhoni is not just a player for Chennai; he’s the heart and soul of the franchise. His calm leadership and ability to steer the team through difficult situations have made him a legend in IPL history. Despite stepping away from international cricket, his presence in IPL continues to attract fans and boost CSK’s performance on and off the field.
CSK’s management is keeping their fingers crossed, hoping that Dhoni decides to play one more season. With October 31 approaching fast, the franchise—and millions of Dhoni fans—eagerly await the final word.
