MS Dhoni to play in IPL 2025 despite relinquishing CSK captaincy? Team CEO's humungous update arrives

Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan made interesting remarks about MS Dhoni‘s future in the Indian Premier League. Kasi Viswanathan assured fans that MS Dhoni would participate fully in the upcoming season, despite stepping down from the captaincy.

The Chennai Super Kings witnessed a significant change in captaincy just before the IPL 2024 opener, with MS Dhoni stepping down. Despite leading CSK to their fifth title last year, the wicketkeeper opted to relinquish the captaincy, passing the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad.

The announcement was made just a day before CSK’s first match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, scheduled at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, March 22.

CEO Kasi Viswanathan refrained from discussing plans but assured Dhoni’s full participation in the upcoming season. “We cannot say about the future,” Viswanathan told Cricbuzz.

The 42-year-old led CSK since its inception in 2008, guiding the franchise to five IPL titles. Ravindra Jadeja replaced Dhoni as CSK skipper in 2022, but the all-rounder relinquished the role after winning two out of eight games, leading to Dhoni’s return mid-season.

In 2023, Dhoni resumed his role as full-time captain and steered the Super Kings to their fifth title, equaling Rohit Sharma’s record for the most titles won as captain in IPL history. Additionally, he led CSK to victory in two Champions League T20 tournaments.

In his illustrious 16-year IPL career, MS Dhoni holds the record as the league’s most successful captain, having led his teams to victory in 133 out of 226 matches. The batter is the only captain to lead a franchise to more than 100 wins in the prestigious T20 tournament.

It Was A Decision Between MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming – Kasi Viswanathan

CSK insiders revealed that franchise management was informed about the captaincy change just an hour before the Captains Conclave on Thursday morning. Kasi Viswanathan stated that the decision was made between MS Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming.

“It was a decision between MS and Flem (coach Stephen Fleming). We the management of the franchise always leave the cricketing matters to the team management and they let us know about the captaincy change this morning. We went by their decision,” Viswanathan said.

Ruturaj Gaikwad Must Have Been Hinted About It – Kasi Viswanathan

Kasi Viswanathan implied that Dhoni likely informed Ruturaj Gaikwad before the decision, although franchise owner N Srinivasan was reportedly only informed about it on the morning of the announcement.

“I believe that Rutu must have been hinted about it in advance. That is the way MS functions. He must have consulted him before deciding to hand over the reins to him. But we informed Mr Srinivasan only this morning,” Viswanathan further added.

The 27-year-old opener debuted in the 2020 season. Ruturaj has prior T20 captaincy experience, leading India to a Gold Medal in the recent Asian Games. With 16 captaincy outings in T20 cricket, he boasts a commendable record of 10 wins, 5 losses, and 1 No Result.

Also read: MS Dhoni already planning CSK transition!! CSK captain’s close friend reveals Behind the Scenes story at CSK camp