Former India batter Robin Uthappa stated on Saturday that MS Dhoni will return to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025. He added that Dhoni is not one to take heartbreaks and setbacks lightly. Dhoni ended the 2024 season on a disappointing note, failing to deliver 17 runs in the final over against RCB in Bengaluru, which was crucial for CSK to qualify for the playoffs.
Robin Uthappa has speculated that MS Dhoni will return for the next IPL. So, will Mahendra Singh Dhoni play in IPL 2025?
MS Dhoni smashed the first delivery of the final over by Yash Dayal for a massive 110m six. However, he was dismissed on the next ball while attempting another big hit. Following Dhoni’s dismissal, Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja couldn’t guide the team to victory as Dayal maintained his composure, defending 11 runs in the last four deliveries, highlighting the uncertain nature of IPL betting odds and thrilling RCB fans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Read more about – IPL 2025 Mega Auction Expected Date and Venue with Retained Players
Dhoni’s Legacy with CSK
Leading CSK to a record-tying fifth IPL victory in 2023, Dhoni cemented his status as one of the greatest captains in cricket history. However, in 2024, he stepped down from the captaincy, passing the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
During the transition season, CSK missed the playoffs and finished fifth, which spurred rumors and speculation about Dhoni’s future with the team.
Will MS Dhoni return? Here’s what the CEO of CSK said –
In a video posted by the franchise on Thursday, May 23, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO K.S. Viswanathan, affectionately known as ‘Kasi Sir,’ stated that he was unaware of MS Dhoni’s potential retirement plans.
“I do not know. It is a question only MS [Dhoni] can answer,” Viswanathan said. “We have always respected the decisions taken by MS. We have left it to him, and as you all know, he has always taken his decisions and announced them at the appropriate time and with MS Dhoni’s salary being a significant component in the ongoing opinion about his return in the next IPL.
“We do expect that we will get a decision as and when he decides. But we are very hopeful he’ll be available for CSK next year,” he added.
“That is the view and expectation of the fans and mine,” he opined.
Dhoni stepped down from captaincy duties just ahead of the IPL 2024 season, handing over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad, who guided the team to fifth place in the points table, missing the Playoffs due to Net Run Rate.
If, as speculated, a mega auction is held later this year, CSK will have to use one of its retentions on the 42-year-old, prompting many fans to anticipate a retirement announcement soon.
Plans about CSK Retention:
When asked about CSK’s retention plans for the significant squad overhaul expected before IPL 2025, Viswanathan stated that the matter would be addressed only after receiving clarity from the BCCI.
“It is too early because we have still not heard from the BCCI on the type of retentions that will be part of the next auction cycle,” he said. “We expect that the BCCI will consult with all franchise owners before deciding on retention.”
Five-time IPL champions CSK finished fifth this season, missing the playoffs for only the third time, with 2020 and 2022 being the previous instances. On both occasions, they bounced back to win the championship the following season.
Read about – Most Runs Scored by a Captain in T20 World Cup
Conclusion
The future of MS Dhoni in the IPL continues to be a topic of great interest and speculation. Despite the disappointing end to the 2024 season, Dhoni’s legacy as one of the greatest captains in cricket remains untarnished, especially after leading CSK to their record-tying fifth IPL victory in 2023. The decision regarding Dhoni’s return to the IPL in 2025 rests solely in his hands, as emphasized by CSK CEO K.S. Viswanathan.
The upcoming mega auction and retention plans further add to the anticipation surrounding CSK’s strategy for the next season. Regardless of the uncertainties, fans and the franchise remain hopeful for Dhoni’s return, eagerly awaiting his decision that could shape the future of CSK in the IPL.
The Indibet app provides a user-friendly platform for betting on sports like cricket, football, and tennis. It offers real-time updates, competitive odds, and secure payment methods. Its accessibility and diverse betting options make it a popular choice for sports enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: Will MS Dhoni return to play in IPL 2025?
Answer: Former cricketer Robin Uthappa expects MS Dhoni to return in IPL 2025. An official announcement from Dhoni is awaited.
FAQ 2: What happened in MS Dhoni’s last over in the 2024 IPL season?
Answer: Dhoni hit a 110m six on the first ball but was dismissed on the second. CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing fifth.
FAQ 3: What did CSK CEO K.S. Viswanathan say about Dhoni’s potential retirement?
Answer: Viswanathan said he was unaware of Dhoni’s retirement plans and that the decision would be made by Dhoni himself. He expressed hope Dhoni would play next season.
FAQ 4: What are CSK’s plans for player retention ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction?
Answer: CSK’s retention plans will be decided after the BCCI clarifies the rules. Viswanathan mentioned it’s too early to make plans without this information.
