There has been anticipation regarding the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter's availability over the past few seasons.
The retention deadline for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) auction is drawing closer, with the date set for October 31.
While most of the teams have more or less decided on their probable retained players list, one big question that remains is the participation of former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni.
With Dhoni in the twilight of his career and suffering from a persistent knee issue, there has been anticipation regarding the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter’s availability over the past few seasons.
Now, ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 auction, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan gave a major update on Dhoni’s chances of playing. Kasi revealed that the franchise is all set to retain the superstar although Dhoni is yet to give his confirmation.
Viswanathan told ESPNcricinfo, “We have still no confirmation from him, though we will like him to continue playing for us. Hope he will confirm before 31st [October].”
If Dhoni agrees to play for another season, he will also be eligible to be retained by CSK as an uncapped player. This became possible after the IPL reinstated a rule that had been eliminated in 2021, which allows a player to be classified as uncapped if they have been retired from international cricket for at least five years.
Dhoni’s last appearance for India was during the 2019 ODI World Cup, and he officially retired in August 2020. Apart from the IPL, he doesn’t participate in any other form of cricket.
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Although it is highly probable that CSK will retain Dhoni, if they list him as an uncapped player, it will only deduct INR 4 crore from their auction budget of INR 120 crore.
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