MS Dhoni ready to play IPL 2025 only if BCCI.....

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) keeper-batter MS Dhoni has expressed his desire to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. As per the reports in Indian Express, it is learned that the former skipper will be playing only if the five-time champions are allowed by BCCI to retain more than four players ahead of the mega auction.

MS Dhoni's future in the Indian Premier League has been one of the hot topics going around in India. This comes after owners of the franchises had a meeting with the Board of Control for Cricket in India on Friday (31st July) related to retention policy ahead of the mega auction.

It is learned that during the meeting Chennai Super Kings asked to bring the old rule of the league that was in the league till 2021. As per that rule, if a player has retired from international cricket for five years or more, he will be treated as an uncapped player.

The reports claimed that Chennai Super Kings wants to retain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player. It is learned that BCCI is planning to re-introduce this rule should there be a big player auction. As per this policy, a team would be able to retain the uncapped player at a cost of only Rs 4 crore

MS Dhoni, who has been a legend for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, is 43 currently and it's fair to say that he is in the last phase of his career. There even have been speculations that the keeper-batter has played his already played his last season as a player in the league.

Ahead of the 2024 edition, MS Dhoni gave a strong hint about his retirement after he decided to hand over the captaincy of the team to young Ruturaj Gaikwad. Although the team finished 5th on the points table, the keeper-batter was seen giving his guidance to the young star in the middle of matches.

MS Dhoni to take a decision related to his retirement only after the retention policy is revealed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India

During a recent event, MS Dhoni also talked about his retirement plans. He stated that he would be taking any decision only after the retention rules were announced. He also mentioned that his decision will be in the interest of what is best for the Chennai Super Kings going ahead.

The reports claim that the majority of the franchises are pushing for 6 retentions with at least one allotted for uncapped players. If that happens and the old policy returns then Chennai Super Kings would be able to retain MS Dhoni in that slot along with keeping their core group.

The core group for the Chennai Super Kings is likely to see skipper Ruturaj Gaiwad, Matheesha Pathirana, Ravindra Jadeja, and one of Daryl Mitchell or Rachin Ravindra. If the old policy is retained and 6 retentions are allowed, it will be a win-win scenario for the five-time Champions in the league.