Shamik Chakrabarty in Chennai
If things go to plan, MS Dhoni is likely to play at least one more season in the IPL. It hasn’t been finalised as yet and will depend on the BCCI’s retention policy. But it is learnt that Chennai Super Kings have their former captain in their retention shortlist ahead of the 2025 mega auction.
RevSportz understands that the five-time IPL champions have drawn up a five-man shortlist, assuming that three retentions and two Right to Match (RTM) cards will be allowed. According to sources, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana and Dhoni are in the shortlist.
Whether Dhoni will continue or not is completely his call, but he is unlikely to block a big amount of the franchise’s purse. He would either be retained for the lowest retention value or he might play as an uncapped player, if the IPL brings back the old retention rule.
The rule allows players who have retired from international cricket for more than five years to be treated as uncapped players. It was part of the IPL from its inception in 2008 until 2021. Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2019.
There’s a feeling among the franchise insiders that Dhoni wants to go out on a high, but the great man has a mind of his own and the CSK management has left it to him to take a call on his future. CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs in this year’s IPL.
Everything at the moment, however, is tentative. Things will be finalised only after the BCCI confirms its retention policy. According to an IPL functionary, the announcement will come pretty soon.