According to reports, Chennai Super Kings are likely to retain seam-bowling all-rounder Shivam Dube and Sri Lankan fast-bowling sensation Matheesha Pathirana, along with MS Dhoni, ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction.
As reported by RevSportz, the five-time IPL champions are also considering current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and veteran spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, in addition to Dhoni, Dube, and Pathirana, for retention ahead of the mega auction.
However, CSK’s ultimate retention choices will hinge on the BCCI’s retention rules, as the 2025 IPL mega auction marks the second such event in three years.
As a result, Dhoni might play one more season for the team he captained from the inaugural edition in 2008 until 2023, except for the 2015 and 2016 seasons when the franchise, along with Rajasthan Royals, was suspended due to corruption charges.
The report suggests that Dhoni is unlikely to claim a significant portion of the franchise’s budget for the mega auction. Instead, he will probably be retained at the minimum retention price or possibly as an uncapped player.
At 43, many thought he had played his final match in a yellow jersey after leading CSK to their fifth title in 2023, beating the defending champions, Gujarat Titans, in the final in Ahmedabad.
However, Dhoni played in the 17th season of the IPL but he handed over his captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. In IPL 2024, CSK did an average performance and the team failed to make it into the playoffs after a defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
