'Want MS Dhoni to Play in IPL 2025': World Cup Winner Feels New Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad Needs Another Year With CSK Icon

IPL 2025 is still a good seven-eight months away but there’s already plenty of buzz around the season. The BCCI and IPL franchise have been discussing the nitty gritty of the mega auction that will be held later this year. There’s no consensus between the teams whether there’s a need for a mega auction at such a short interval and player retention policy. The new retention rule could also potentially dictate whether MS Dhoni turns out as a player for one more season.

Amidst the speculations, Suresh Raina has suggested that Dhoni should continue playing for Chennai Super Kings for at least one season considering his performance with the bat in IPL 2024 and that new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad still needs more time to grow into the role of leading the iconic franchise.

During his reign as CSK captain, Dhoni led them to a five IPL titles – the joint-most in the competition’s history. He stepped away from the role earlier this year paving the way for Gaikwad’s appointment. However, the team didn’t qualify for the playoffs this time around, finishing fifth on the table.

“I want MS Dhoni to play in IPL 2025, considering how he batted last year,” Raina told Sports Tak. “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.”

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Dhoni though himself is unsure of his participation next season and says the ball is in the court of the IPL governing council.

“There is a lot of time for it (to decide on IPL future),” Dhoni had said last month. “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 formalised, I will take a call, but it needs to be in the best interest of the team.”

CricketNext had earlier reported that the BCCI is likely to bring back the old player retention rule under which those who have retired from international cricket for five years will fall under the uncapped category. If it’s brought back, then CSK will be able to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player.