IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant to join MS Dhoni at CSK? Big update arrives

Finally, there is some good news for MS Dhoni's fans as the veteran has expressed his desire to play in the Indian Premier League for the next season. It is a piece of great news for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who were looking forward to Dhoni's decision.

While Dhoni is set to be retained as an uncapped player this time, the franchise can also sign up Rishabh Pant in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. It will be a huge moment for CSK if they manage to snap up Pant in the auction.

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Rishabh Pant to play for CSK?

According to a report in The Indian Express, Chennai Super Kings have kept an eye on Rishabh Pant ahead of the mega auction. If Delhi Capitals do not keep Pant on their retention list, CSK is likely to bid high for the star wicketkeeper-batter.

Pant was on CSK's wishlist for a long time. With Dhoni not expected to play much now, the franchise is eyeing some major changes in their team which also included bringing Rishabh Pant into the mix keeping the future in mind.

Pant could be a great addition to CSK's team given the franchise is looking for a solid wicketkeeping option after MS Dhoni. Pant is currently India's first-choice wicketkeeper in international cricket and can be a perfect replacement for Dhoni.

Rishabh Pant's record in IPL

Rishabh Pant has been associated with Delhi Capitals since his IPL debut in 2016. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter has played 11 IPL games in which he has scored 3284 runs at an average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 148.93.

Pant has played a no. of key knocks for Delhi Capitals and is also the captain of the franchise currently. He has smashed 1 hundred and 18 fifties in his IPL career so far.

Will Delhi Capitals leave Rishabh Pant?

A change in the Delhi Capitals management might not allow Pant to stay in the franchise. According to an agreement, the Delhi Capitals men's team will be managed by the GMR group now instead of the JSW group, which used to function as the team earlier.

The earlier management was convinced about Pant's retention but the new management has not yet finalized it and might not keep him as the captain.

Since Dhoni has confirmed his availability, Pant's inclusion can make this a blockbuster pair in the upcoming IPL season. Pant has already stated earlier about learning a thing or two from Dhoni in the past and it could be a great learning curve for the star India wicketkeeper this time around.

While Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to stay as a captain, Pant's inclusion in the middle order will boost CSK's batting. The franchise is looking forward to it and will give it their all to sign him.

Chennai Super Kings are the joint most successful team in the history of the IPL alongside Mumbai Indians with five IPL titles to their name. They last won an IPL trophy in 2023 but had a disappointing season in 2024.