MS Dhoni, a pivotal figure in Indian cricket, is set to be retained by the Chennai Super Kings as they prepare for the IPL 2025 mega auction. Alongside him, the franchise will retain captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana, the Sri Lankan fast bowler. The specific financial commitments for each retained player have yet to be revealed. However, it is anticipated that the franchise will incur a minimum deduction of INR 65 crore from their auction purse, which totals INR 120 crore. Retaining these five players will leave Chennai with just one right-to-match option during the auction.
Dhoni's inclusion in this roster is significant, particularly as he is expected to be listed as an uncapped player. Recently reinstated rules allow players who have not participated in international cricket for five years to be classified in this category. Dhoni last represented India during the 2019 ODI World Cup. The franchises must finalize and submit their lists of retained players to the IPL by October 31. Each team is permitted to retain up to six players before the mega auction, with a cap that allows them to retain a maximum of five capped international players and two uncapped players.
The financial implications of retaining players in the IPL are structured to ensure each franchise manages its budget effectively. For retained players, a minimum deduction from the auction purse is predetermined: INR 18 crore for the first retained player, INR 14 crore for the second, INR 11 crore for the third, INR 18 crore for the fourth, INR 14 crore for the fifth, and INR 4 crore for an uncapped player. It is important to note that while these deductions are the minimum amounts, franchises have the discretion to negotiate higher or lower payments with their retained players.
Over recent seasons, Dhoni has transitioned from his former role as captain to playing a more limited function within the squad. After handing the captaincy to Gaikwad prior to the 2024 IPL season, Dhoni's contributions with the bat were noticeably diminished. He played primarily as the wicketkeeper, taking on a significant role in team strategy rather than individual performance. In the 2024 season, he did not bat in the first two matches and only faced a total of 73 deliveries throughout 11 innings, with four innings coming at the No. 8 position and one at No. 9. This shift in his batting position reflects Dhoni’s focus on managing his physical workload more effectively, particularly following knee surgery in 2023.
In a recent statement, Dhoni expressed his desire to savor the final years of his cricketing career. He indicated that his reduced batting opportunities during the last IPL season were also strategically planned. With the T20 World Cup approaching, he sought to provide opportunities for teammates like Dube and Jadeja to showcase their skills and potentially secure a spot on the national team.
As the countdown to the IPL 2025 season begins, Chennai Super Kings are solidifying their roster, strategically planning for the future while respecting the legacy and contributions of one of cricket's most enduring icons. Dhoni’s retention not only bolsters the team’s experience and depth but also serves to inspire developing players within the squad. As IPL continues to grow and evolve, the decisions made in the lead-up to the mega auction will set the tone for the upcoming season and the franchise's long-term strategy.
The final decisions regarding player retention signify not just a financial strategy, but also a commitment to maintaining the competitive integrity of a franchise that has long been synonymous with excellence in the IPL. With an eye towards balancing both current performance and future potential, the Chennai Super Kings are gearing up for a critical chapter in their storied history. Thus, Dhoni’s presence in the squad, despite his age and reduced activity on the pitch, underscores his invaluable role in mentoring the next generation of cricketers and fortifying the team's culture.
As different franchises refine their strategies ahead of the auction, one aspect remains clear: players like Dhoni, with their unparalleled experience and skillset, will remain integral to the performance and legacy of the teams they represent, shaping the future of cricket in India.