MS Dhoni Yet to Confirm IPL 2025 Plans
Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has not yet confirmed if he will participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 as an uncapped player. With the deadline for franchises to finalize their retention lists approaching on October 31, Dhoni is yet to respond to CSK’s inquiries. A planned meeting between Dhoni and the franchise officials in mid-October has not taken place.
CSK Awaits Dhoni’s Decision
CSK has reached out to Dhoni, but the legendary skipper has not provided any updates. According to a source close to the franchise, no further discussions regarding his future in IPL 2025 have occurred yet. “We have approached him but he hasn’t reverted to us. Once we meet, decisions will be taken,” the source told Sports Tak.
CSK is leaving the decision entirely in Dhoni’s hands, with no pressure from the franchise. “It’s his call. We never take any decision about Dhoni,” the source added.
Dhoni Could Play as an Uncapped Player
Under the new IPL rules, Dhoni qualifies to be retained as an uncapped player for as low as Rs 4 crore. The rule allows players who have not played international cricket or held a central contract for five years to be eligible as uncapped players.
Other Retention Decisions
CSK will have to make crucial decisions regarding their squad ahead of the retention deadline. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad may be retained at a high price, while star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is expected to be retained. The franchise may also use the Right to Match (RTM) card for other key players.
Dhoni’s IPL 2024 Performance
Despite undergoing knee surgery before the IPL 2024 season, Dhoni made a strong comeback, playing a crucial role as a finisher. The 43-year-old often batted in the slog overs, smashing 13 sixes, the most he had hit in a season since 2019. Dhoni scored 161 runs in 11 innings with a staggering strike rate of 220.54 and was dismissed only three times during the season.(cricket betting sites)