CSK to release MS Dhoni? Aakash Chopra drops huge statement as he predicts CSK's retentions ahead of IPL 2025 auction
Published - 01 Jun 2024, 03:57 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:12 AM
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra opened up about the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) retaining the legendary MS Dhoni for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Aakash Chopra suggested that MS Dhoni might believe the money will be wasted if he stays with the Super Kings for the next three-year cycle.
MS Dhoni stepped down from captaincy before the start of the Indian Premier League 2024 opener. Dhoni passed leadership to Ruturaj Gaikwad after leading CSK to five titles in the IPL. The Chennai team failed to advance to the playoffs in the recently concluded tournament under Ruturaj Gaikwad's captaincy.
CSK retained MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, and Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the IPL 2022. Jadeja was signed for 16 crores as the first pick, while Dhoni received 12 crores as the second retention. The wicketkeeper-batter played for the last three seasons for the Super Kings despite struggling with injuries.
MS Dhoni batted lower down the order throughout the tournament due to a muscle tear. He scored 161 runs in 11 innings at an average of 53.67 and a strike rate of 220.55. The veteran batter scored 25 runs off 13 balls, including three boundaries and a six, in his last innings against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
If He Wants To Stay, He Will Stay - Aakash Chopra
In a YouTube video, Aakash Chopra suggested that MS Dhoni's decision to stay with CSK in the IPL hinges on his own preference. Chopra noted that Dhoni may also factor in financial considerations while making decisions about his future in the IPL.
"Dhoni's simple story is that if he wants to stay, he will stay. However, he might think that the money will be wasted if he stays here for three years and there could be problems in retention as eight to 10 crores should be spent on him, but then those won't be available when you go to the auction," Chopra said.
"I am not 100 percent certain whether Dhoni will be retained or not. It's almost guaranteed he won't go into the auction but will he be retained, will he play, we really don't know right now," he added.
Have To Retain Ruturaj Gaikwad - Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra picked Ruturaj Gaikwad as the primary retention choice for the Chennai-based franchise. The cricketer-turned-commentator highlighted Gaikwad's leadership qualities, consistency, and scoring prowess. Chopra suggested that investing in him is crucial for the team's future success.
"Let's start with the captain, the prince of this team - Ruturaj. You have to retain him. He is the captain, he is consistent, scored runs this year as well, and you want to invest in him. This team has played under very limited captains. So Ruturaj Gaikwad will be my first retention," Chopra further added.
Aakash Chopra stated that CSK will retain Ravindra Jadeja despite his performance dip. The former Indian opener suggested that Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana and New Zealand opener Devon Conway are potential overseas retentions for the Super Kings for the next three years in the cash-rich league.