Kasi Viswanathan, the CEO of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), recently discussed MSD’s role in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). He has been retained as an “uncapped player” in the squad and is set to extend his IPL career to 18 seasons.
The franchise managed to retain “Thala” by offering him just 4 crores. Other players of note who will not be released include Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja.
There are no clarifications so far on whether he will feature in future matches or whether he will retire after this season. In terms of this question, CSK’s CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, said earlier that the player doesn’t disclose his plans. “There is no limit on when Dhoni can be able to be active as Dowd joins him in his retirement” he stated on Dhoni’s intention to play his final game in Chennai.
While having a conversation with Rayudu on Provoke TV, Rayudu said,”As far as Mahi bhai (brother) is concerned, you know he keeps everything to himself. It comes out at the last moment only. Knowing the passion he has for CSK, and also knowing the following he has, and he also mentioned in one of the interviews that he’ll play his last game in Chennai, we’re hoping that he will continue as far as CSK is concerned. As long as MS wants to play, the doors are open. Knowing him, his commitment, and his dedication, I’m sure he’ll always take the right decision.”
The retention of MS Dhoni for the 2025 season was ensured by the IPL governing board by reestablishing the uncapped player ruling. This means if any Indian player has not appeared in an international match for five years before the start of the season and does not have a BCCI central contract, they will have their ‘capped’ status removed. This ruling was abolished in 2021 but has now been reinstated.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) also retained key players in the form of Ravindra Jadeja (INR 18 Crore), Shivam Dube (INR 12 Crore), Matheesha Pathirana (INR 13 Crore), and Ruturaj Gaikwad (INR 18 Crore) in addition to Dhoni. After losing these five players, CSK used INR 65 crore of their available budget of INR 120 million, hence having a balance of 55 million to spend in the IPl mega auction. This policy effectively allows them to build a great team and still protect important players.
