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The cricket world is buzzing with excitement as MS Dhoni is set to meet the Chennai Super Kings (Dhoni CSK Future) owners on October 29 or 30 to discuss his participation in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. As the retention deadline approaches on October 31, fans and cricket experts alike are eager to know if Dhoni will continue his legendary IPL journey. The IPL governing council has confirmed that teams are allowed to retain up to six players, either directly or through the Right to Match (RTM) cards, and this decision could shape the Dhoni CSK Future.
Dhoni CSK Future ? Will Continue Playing in IPL 2025?
Dhoni, who celebrated his 43rd birthday in July 2024, has been the backbone of CSK for over a decade. But as the IPL retention rules evolve, the big question remains: will he play another season? Dhoni has previously mentioned that he and CSK would wait for the updated retention guidelines before making a final decision. With the new rules now in place, there’s a strong possibility that CSK could retain Dhoni as an uncapped player, which would lower his pay to ₹4 crore—a significant drop from the ₹12 crore he was retained for before the 2022 mega auction.
CSK Fans on the Edge
On October 21, CSK’s CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, shared a statement that has kept everyone guessing. “Dhoni has promised to inform us of his decision by October 31. We want him to stay in the team, but he hasn’t confirmed it yet. He said, ‘I will tell you before the deadline,’” Viswanathan explained. The suspense surrounding Dhoni’s future has left fans eagerly awaiting his announcement. Will we see him donning the iconic yellow jersey in 2025, or will this be the final chapter of his illustrious IPL career?
What Happens if Dhoni is Retained as an Uncapped Player?
With the new retention policies in play, there’s speculation that Dhoni could be retained by CSK as an uncapped player, which would see his salary fall to ₹4 crore. While this is a sharp drop from his previous contract, the emotional and leadership value that Dhoni brings to the team might just outweigh the financial implications. His presence, even at this reduced fee, could continue to be invaluable for CSK both on and off the field.
A Legacy to Continue?
Since retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has focused solely on IPL, leading CSK to several playoff appearances and a title victory. However, after undergoing knee surgery in 2023, Dhoni passed the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad for the 2024 season. His role now, whether as a mentor or a player, remains uncertain, but his potential return to IPL 2025 could be a game-changer for CSK.
As the October 31 retention deadline draws closer, all eyes are on Dhoni. Will he give fans one last ride in the 2025 IPL season? Or will CSK’s golden era under his leadership come to an end? Whatever his decision, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the franchise and the cricketing world.
