Legendary Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020, but he has yet to reveal his future plans. The 43-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman was last seen playing for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2024 match against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, and there has been no update about him since then.

While it has been reported that the 2024 IPL season will be his final appearance in the cash-rich league, Dhoni has not officially confirmed his retirement, nor has his IPL team. Some reports suggest he might take part in the 2025 edition of the IPL, representing the five-time champions once again.

The BCCI recently announced the IPL 2025 retention rules, which state that any Indian cricketer who has not featured in any international matches in the last five seasons can be retained as an uncapped player for Rs 4 crore. After this rule change, it is looking increasingly likely that Mahendra Singh Dhoni will play in IPL 2025 for the Chennai-based franchise.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan said that the legendary cricketer MSD has yet to reveal his plans.

The franchise wants Dhoni to participate in the 2025 edition of the IPL, but the final decision rests entirely with them. Dhoni is expected to inform the team owners about his decision before October 31, which is also the deadline to announce the retention of the player.

"We also want Dhoni to play in the CSK team. But Dhoni has not confirmed it to us yet. Dhoni said, 'I will tell you before October 31'. We hope he will play," Kasi Viswanathan was quoted as saying by Sports Viktan.

He further said, "You will get a chance to see MS Dhoni again. He is fit, batting at a strike rate of 200, keeping well and so I believe as long as he wants to play, the rules will keep changing. If he wants to play in the IPL, he will play. He is such a big player, such a big match winner, and has been a leader for CSK."

Meanwhile, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who has played the most matches in IPL history, is currently sixth in the list of highest run-scorers. In 14 matches of IPL 2024, he scored 161 runs at a strike rate of 220.55, with only three dismissals. While speculation continues over Dhoni's availability, Chennai Super Kings are preparing to retain captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube, and fast bowler Mathisha Parthirana ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

pc: dnaindia