IPL 2025: MS Dhoni's participation officially confirmed as CSK's retained players list gets leaked

In what will be a massive boost for the Chennai Super Kings, MS Dhoni is all set to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. It is learned that the keeper-batter has confirmed his participation ahead of the mega auction.

Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan himself confirmed to Cricbuzz that MS Dhoni will be playing in the IPL 2025. The top official of the five-time Champions mentioned that they are extremely delighted with the development and they don't need anything else.

Kasi Viswanathan said: "When he is ready, what else (do) we want? We are happy."

This comes after MS Dhoni himself confirmed his desire to play in the next edition. During an event, he mentioned that he wanted to enjoy the last few years of his cricket. He also said that although it won't be easy to keep the emotions aside, he wants to enjoy the game.

Dhoni also mentioned that he will have to keep himself fit to play the IPL but more important than that, he wants to chill. As quoted by the Times of India, he had said:

"I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I can play. When you play cricket like a professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy it just like a game. That's what I want to do. It's not easy."

Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Matheesha Pathirana also to be retained by CSK

The reports also claimed that MS Dhoni will be calling franchise owner N Srinivasan to finalise the retentions for the team. It is also reported that the keeper-batter will be retained in the uncapped category at INR 4 crore. The rule was recently reintroduced by the BCCI, allowing players who haven't played international cricket for 5 years to be retained as uncapped players.

The reports also claimed that Ravindra Jadeja will be the first retention for the team followed by Ruturaj Gaikwad. Matheesha Pathirana has agreed to be the No.3 retention. Apart from them, two of Shivam Dube, Devon Conway, and uncapped player Sameer Rizvi, should be retained.

The final selection expected to be confirmed after MS Dhoni chats with N Srinivasan

The final selection is expected to be confirmed after MS Dhoni has a conversation with N Srinivasan. The official date to announce the list of released and retained players is 31st October. It remains to be seen who will be the 6 players.

Dhoni is one of the best captains to have played in the IPL. He is joint most titles as a leader as under him CSK won five IPL titles under his captaincy. He stepped down from the captaincy before the IPL 2024. He passed on the baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad, who did a decent job as a captain of thr team.

Dhoni scored 161 runs in 14 matches with a highest score of 37 not out in the IPL 2024. Due to the injury issues, he came to bat down the order and played a cameos. He smashed 13 sixes and 14 fours last year and would be hoping to add more to his tally going ahead.