MS Dhoni's IPL 2025 Future: Suresh Raina Hopes for Another Season with CSK
Suresh Raina wants MS Dhoni to play in IPL 2025, citing Dhoni's impressive performance last season.
MS Dhoni walking on to the pitch in IPL.
Although IPL 2025 is still several months away, excitement is already building for the upcoming season. Discussions are ongoing between the BCCI and IPL franchises regarding the details of a major auction scheduled for later this year.
However, there's debate among the teams about the necessity of a mega auction after such a short interval, as well as questions around the player retention policy.
This new retention rule could also impact whether MS Dhoni will play another season.
Amid these discussions, Suresh Raina has voiced his opinion, suggesting that Dhoni should continue to play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for at least one more season.
Raina believes that given Dhoni’s impressive performance with the bat in IPL 2024, and the fact that newly appointed captain Ruturaj Gaikwad might benefit from additional time to adapt to his leadership role, Dhoni's presence would be valuable.
Dhoni, who led CSK to five IPL titles – tying for the most in the tournament's history – stepped down from his captaincy duties earlier this year, allowing Gaikwad to take over. Unfortunately, under Gaikwad’s leadership, CSK failed to secure a playoff spot, finishing fifth in the standings.
"I hope MS Dhoni plays in IPL 2025, especially considering how well he performed last year,” Raina said in an interview with Sports Tak.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad could use another year to settle into his role as captain. Although there was some criticism after the defeat against RCB, Ruturaj has actually done a commendable job."
However, Dhoni himself remains uncertain about his involvement next season, emphasizing that the decision depends on the IPL governing council's policies.
“There’s still plenty of time to make a decision about the future,” Dhoni said last month. “We need to see what decisions are made regarding player retention. As things stand, the ball isn’t in our court. Once the rules are clarified, I will make a decision, but it has to be in the best interest of the team.”
Previously, CricketNext reported that the BCCI might reinstate an older player retention rule, which categorises players who have been retired from international cricket for five years as uncapped.
If this rule returns, CSK could potentially retain Dhoni as an uncapped player.
