The retentions for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) were announced on Thursday. All the 10 franchises named retentions and saved them from entering the mega auction, which is likely to be held by the end of November. Legendary Indian wicketkeeper MS Dhoni would once again be seen in a Chennai Super Kings (CSK) jersey in the next season.
The 5-time champions retained Dhoni in the uncapped category for Rs 4 crore. Apart from him, CSK retained captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for Rs 18 crore, Matheesha Pathirana for Rs 13 crore, Shivam Dube for Rs 12 crore, and Ravindra Jadeja for Rs 18 crore.
Seeing Dhoni’s retention, former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar wants him to replace Gaikwad as CSK’s captain in what could be his final IPL season.
Dhoni stepped down from CSK’s captaincy in 2024 and handed over the role to Gaikwad. However, CSK failed to reach the Playoffs in that season under Gaikwad’s leadership.
“Dhoni should become captain of CSK in IPL 2025. He played under Ruturaj Gaikwad last season. It was not so much fun to watch. Even if Dhoni doesn’t bat, he can make more impact as captain and wicketkeeper alone for CSK”, Manjrekar told Star Sports.
Another former India star in Mohammad Kaif believes that CSK have made a smart move by retaining Dhoni for quite a low price.
“CSK have played really well. They have saved 10-15 crores. I feel that the way this rule was brought back because we were driven by emotions, and we all really wanted MS Dhoni to play another year…I feel CSK played very smartly there. Yes he is taking less money, but it would allow CSK to buy big names players at the auction,” Kaif said on JioCinema.
