IPL 2025: MS Dhoni's retirement on the cards? Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu give a closing verdict
Former Chennai Super Kings players Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu have confirmed that MS Dhoni will remain available for IPL 2025. Rayudu claimed that Dhoni has been batting well and he looks good to play for one more year.
There has been speculation on MS Dhoni's retirement before the IPL 2025 season. MS Dhoni is 43 and has had certain fitness issues during the past two seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
MS Dhoni gave away the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the start of the last IPL season raising speculations of his retirement after IPL 2024. However, he is still there and in line to play the next season.
Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu confirm MS Dhoni's participation in IPL 2025
During a chat with Sports Yaari, Suresh Raina was asked about Dhoni's availability for the next IPL season. Raina replied that Dhoni will play the next IPL season
"He will definitely play. Kyu piche pade ho aap (Why are you guys after him so much)? Don't you want to see him play? Just let him play," Raina responded to the reporter's question.
Suresh Raina was a vital cog in CSK's wheel for a long time. He was associated with the franchise since the start and played a key role in their several IPL title wins as well. Given his great IPL record, Raina was also given the name of 'Mr. IPL.'
Ambati Rayudu Suresh Raina confirm MS Dhoni will be back for IPL 2025: Sports Yaari Exclusive#sureshraina #ambatirayudu #dhoni pic.twitter.com/JFelYZESHW
— Sports Yaari (@YaariSports) September 17, 2024
Meanwhile, being a former CSK player, Ambati Rayudu was also asked the same question. Rayudu reckons that Dhoni's form in the last year suggests that he will be playing the next season as well.
"I don't have any idea but the way he was batting last year, he should play this year as well. The kind of finishes he is providing and the way he is batting, I think he should play for one more year," Rayudu opined.
Ambati Rayudu on playing in Legends League Cricket 2024
Ambati Rayudu will be on the cricket field for a few days for the Legends League Cricket 2024. He also spoke about the excitement of being part of the league and is looking forward to it.
"It is a nice feeling (to be back on the cricket field) because it is a highly competitive league. I've seen some good matches on TV in this league. I've also spoken to a lot of players. They have all spoken good things about it and advised me to play here. It will be a great opportunity to compete," Rayudu said.
Rayudu was also asked about the practice sessions before the tournament which he claimed is going well and the team has started to assemble.
"I can't say about the team but individually, we are practicing. Currently, we are assembling and Irfan (Pathan) has gone to Jodhpur and he is our captain. The team is together and everybody is following their fitness routines and we are going into the tournament well-prepared," he added.
Ambati Rayudu will play for Konark Suryas Odisha in the Legends League Cricket 2024. It is a new team added to LLC this year and Irfan Pathan will be the team's captain. Meanwhile, Suresh Raina will also play in the league for a newly branded team Urbanrisers Hyderabad.
MS Dhoni is one of the greatest cricketers to have ever played the game. Dhoni is the joint most successful IPL captain with five titles along with Rohit Sharma. The wicketkeeper-batter has been in tremendous hitting form in the last few years in the IPL.
