Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is expected to continue his association with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo. Dhoni is set to be retained as an uncapped player, a move made possible by a recent rule change that allows franchises to retain players in the uncapped category if they have not played international cricket for five years.
Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, has been a key figure for CSK since the inception of the IPL in 2008. He has led the team to four IPL titles and two Champions League T20 titles. In the 2024 season, Dhoni played a crucial role as a finisher, scoring 161 runs at a strike rate of 220.
The 43-year-old’s retention as an uncapped player is a significant development for CSK, as it allows the franchise to retain a veteran player with a wealth of experience and leadership qualities. Dhoni’s presence in the team will provide stability and guidance to the younger players.
CSK is expected to retain four other players alongside Dhoni: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Sri Lankan seamer Matheesha Pathirana. This core group of players will form the foundation of the team’s squad for the upcoming season.
The IPL 2025 mega auction is scheduled to take place on October 31, and all ten franchises must submit their list of retained players by that date. CSK will be hoping to build a strong team around Dhoni and the other retained players to challenge for the IPL title once again.
