Suresh Raina demands MS Dhoni's IPL 2025 participation: "Lot of things were said after loss to RCB"

Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Suresh Raina has requested the legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni to return for another season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) next year.

Suresh Raina, a longtime friend and former teammate of MS Dhoni with both India and CSK, believes that the former skipper’s presence is invaluable for more than just his performances on the field in the upcoming IPL 2025.

The 43-year-old MS Dhoni provided a significant boost to CSK not only through his cricketing skills but also with his role as a mentor to youngsters, having stepped down as captain before the start of IPL 2024.

Suresh Raina calls for MS Dhoni's return in IPL 2025 to strengthen CSK's dynamics

However, MS Dhoni continued to play a crucial role for CSK, and Suresh Raina wants him to continue playing IPL for at least a couple of seasons for Ruturaj Gaikwad, who took over the captaincy earlier this year.

Notably, the former Indian skipper battled considerable physical challenges, including a muscle tear that limited his mobility and athleticism throughout the last season. Due to his injury, the legendary cricketer batted only in the final overs of the innings for CSK in the IPL 2024.

Yet, MS Dhoni's influence remained strong, as he amassed 161 runs at an amazing strike rate of 220.55 and hit 27 boundaries, showing that his batting form remained formidable despite the pain.

However, under Gaikwad’s leadership, CSK struggled to reach the IPL 2024 playoffs, ultimately losing a crucial game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to ensure their exit from the tournament.

As the preparations almost begin for the IPL 2025 mega auction, Suresh Raina expressed a strong desire for Dhoni to return for the IPL 2025 season, given his impressive performance in the previous season.

Raina believes that the CSK skipper Gaikwad, despite facing criticism following the five-time champions’ inability to qualify for the playoffs, would benefit from another year of experience. However, the former CSK batter hailed Gaikwad’s efforts and his captaincy in the IPL 2024.

I want MSD to play in IPL 2025: Raina

Raina was quoted as saying by Sports Tak: “I want MS Dhoni to play in IPL 2025, considering how he batted last year. I feel Ruturaj Gaikwad needs one more year. The way he captained and a lot of things were said after the loss to RCB. However, Ruturaj has done a great job.”

Earlier, Dhoni made it clear that his IPL future will depend on the new rules and regulations regarding player retention. And the former Indian batter also admitted that the decision on Dhoni's future will be influenced by the upcoming changes.

Raina noted that the final call will be made once the rules are announced by the IPL and BCCI, with the focus being on what is best for the CSK, the joint most successful franchise in the league along with the Mumbai Indians (MI).

Raina signed off by saying, “There is a lot of time for it. We have to see what decision they take on player retention, etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court. So, once the rules and regulations get formalized, I will take a call, but it needs to be in the best interest of the team.”