In a move that underscores his enduring legacy with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), MS Dhoni is confirmed to be among the five players retained by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Alongside Dhoni, the franchise is expected to retain captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, batsman Shivam Dube, and Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana.
The retention of these key players comes with significant financial implications, as CSK will part with a minimum of INR 65 crore from their total auction purse of INR 120 crore. The finalized amounts for each retained player are yet to be disclosed, but the franchise is permitted one right-to-match option during the auction, which will take place following the player retention deadline.
Dhoni, now 43, is set to be categorized as an uncapped player. This classification comes after the IPL reinstated a rule allowing players who have not participated in international cricket for five years to be classified as uncapped. Dhoni’s last appearance for India was during the 2019 ODI World Cup.
The upcoming IPL 2025 season will see teams allowed to retain up to six players, with a maximum of five capped internationals and two uncapped players. The financial structure for retained players mandates minimum deductions from the auction purse, with INR 18 crore allocated for the first player, and varying amounts for subsequent players. However, franchises can negotiate higher or lower salaries for their retained players.
Despite stepping down as captain prior to IPL 2024, Dhoni continued to serve as the team’s main wicketkeeper, albeit with a reduced batting role. He faced only 73 deliveries across 11 innings in the previous season, as he managed his workload following knee surgery in 2023.
In recent statements, Dhoni expressed his desire to savor the final years of his playing career, noting that his limited batting in the last season was strategic. He aimed to give opportunities to players like Dube and Jadeja to showcase their talent in hopes of securing a spot on the national team for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
As the deadline for player retention approaches on October 31, fans and analysts alike eagerly await the official announcement of CSK’s final retained players and their plans for the upcoming season.
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