MS Dhoni’s participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season remains uncertain, as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan awaits confirmation from the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman.
“We have still no confirmation from him, though we would like him to continue playing for us,” Viswanathan told ESPNcricinfo. “Hope he will confirm before 31st [October].”
October 31 is the deadline for franchises to submit their list of retained players to the IPL ahead of the mega auction. Dhoni is eligible to be retained by CSK as an uncapped player, thanks to a rule change that considers players retired from international cricket for five years as uncapped.
Dhoni, who last played for India in the 2019 ODI World Cup, retired from international cricket in August 2020. He has since played exclusively in the IPL, scoring 161 runs at a strike rate of 220 as a finisher in the 2024 season after handing over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
If CSK retains Dhoni as an uncapped player, they will lose only INR 4 crore from their auction purse of INR 120 crore. Franchises are allowed to retain up to six players ahead of the mega auction, with a maximum of five capped internationals.
While it is highly likely that Dhoni will be retained by CSK, the franchise’s decision will depend on his availability and performance in the upcoming season.
