MS Dhoni will continue to play for CSK. Photo: AP/BCCI
MS Dhoni will make his on-field return for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025. The India legend was retained in the uncapped category for Rs 4 crore. Dhoni, who has only been playing IPL since his retirement from international cricket, doesn't face many balls now and he has demoted himself in the batting order. Dhoni only faced 73 balls in IPL 2024 while he played 57 balls in IPL 2023.
Dhoni will continue to play under Ruturaj Gaikwad. The opening batsman took over the lead role ahead of IPL 2024. Ruturaj-led CSK failed to qualify for the second round of IPL 2024 after losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
CSK have kicked off their preparations for IPL 2025 and the players have landed in Chennai. Before the start of IPL 2025, Anil Kumble gave a shocking statement on Dhoni and claimed that he might not play every game.
Speaking to JioHotstar, Kumble said: "With Ruturaj leading the side, this could be a season where Dhoni may not even take the field. He might still be part of the squad, thanks to retention rules, and with the impact player rule, his presence can still be valuable without playing every game."
It remains to be seen if CSK use Dhoni as an Impact Player or if he will continue to be part of the final XI. Ruturaj will have his task cut out in the upcoming season.
He has already captained Team India in T20Is. He led the Men in Blue to a gold medal win in the 2023 Asian Games. The CSK fans have high hopes from Ruturaj in his second season as the captain in the T20 league.
CSK will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Mumbai Indians in a home game on March 23. They will take on RCB in their next game on March 28.
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