MS Dhoni has effectively confirmed his plans to continue playing in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, offering a clear signal of his commitment to another season of IPL action. The announcement has sparked excitement, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan expressing his joy at Dhoni’s decision to return for yet another year. Following this, Dhoni took proactive steps by reaching out to CSK’s franchise owner, N. Srinivasan, to finalize the team’s retention strategy ahead of IPL 2025.
In an unexpected twist, reports indicate that CSK’s primary retention choice is not their captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, but rather the seasoned all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja, who stepped away from T20 internationals after India’s victory in the T20 World Cup earlier this year, continues to play a pivotal role in CSK’s future plans. His experience and all-round skills make him an invaluable asset to the team’s long-term strategy.
“When he’s ready, what more can we ask for? We are pleased,” said Kasi Viswanathan to Cricbuzz, commending Dhoni’s leadership and his steadfast dedication to CSK’s success.
During a recent event, Dhoni took the opportunity to share his reflections on the closing stages of his remarkable cricket career. “I just want to enjoy whatever few years of cricket I have left,” Dhoni shared, underscoring his desire to relish the time he has left on the field. “Playing professional cricket can sometimes take away the pure enjoyment of the game, and that’s why my focus is on enjoying these moments to the fullest, without getting bogged down by external pressures.”
Dhoni also spoke openly about the personal and emotional toll that playing at the highest level can take. “Managing the emotional highs and lows while balancing the relentless demands of the game isn’t easy,” he admitted. “Maintaining peak fitness for nine months to be ready for just two and a half months of IPL requires immense discipline and sacrifice.” He added, “The key is to find a balance—putting in the hard work, staying sharp both mentally and physically, but also ensuring that you take the time to appreciate the journey and savor the moments that make the game truly special.”
These candid remarks offer a glimpse into Dhoni’s evolving mindset as he enters the final phase of his extraordinary career. Despite the challenges, Dhoni remains deeply connected to the game, prioritizing enjoyment and fulfillment in his remaining years on the field.
As CSK prepares for IPL 2025, their retention strategy reflects a careful blend of experience and fresh talent. Ravindra Jadeja leads the retention list, followed by captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, and pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who has impressed with his performances. The franchise is also expected to retain two players from a pool that includes Shivam Dube, Devon Conway, and Samir Rizvi, ensuring a well-rounded squad for the upcoming season. With these strategic decisions, CSK is positioning itself to maintain its competitiveness and pursue yet another IPL title.