Chennai Super Kings Create Buzz Ahead of IPL 2025 Retentions
The uncertainty surrounding MS Dhoni's future has been a major talking point. Although he can be retained as an uncapped player due to his retirement from international cricket over five years ago, there are suggestions that he might be kept on as a capped player.
As the IPL 2025 retention deadline approaches, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), five-time champions, are in the spotlight. With only two days left until the deadline, speculation is rife regarding the team’s key retention choices, especially concerning the future of legendary captain MS Dhoni.
The excitement peaked with a cryptic post by CSK on social media platform X, which featured the intriguing caption: "The Ones You Seek is Seeking You!" Accompanying the text were a series of emojis, including a helicopter, sword, star, and rocket. This post quickly went viral, leading fans and analysts to speculate that the emojis might hint at the players CSK intends to retain. Predictions included the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana, MS Dhoni, and Rachin Ravindra.
The uncertainty surrounding MS Dhoni's future has been a major talking point. Although he can be retained as an uncapped player due to his retirement from international cricket over five years ago, there are suggestions that he might be kept on as a capped player. Dhoni has hinted at his desire to continue playing in the IPL, much to the delight of CSK's CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, who expressed enthusiasm over Dhoni's potential return for another season.
However, reports indicate that while Ruturaj Gaikwad is a key player, he might not be the top retention choice. Instead, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who stepped away from T20 internationals following India's T20 World Cup victory, appears to be the preferred pick. Viswanathan emphasized the team's satisfaction with Dhoni's readiness for the upcoming season, stating, "When he is ready, what else do we want? We are happy."
Dhoni himself expressed a desire to relish the final years of his cricketing career. He mentioned, "I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play. When you play cricket like a professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy it just like a game. That's what I want to do." He acknowledged the need for careful fitness planning to ensure he remains in shape for the IPL, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance between preparation and enjoyment.
As CSK prepares to finalize their retention list, the anticipation among fans continues to grow. The decisions made in the coming days will be crucial as the franchise aims to strengthen its squad for the upcoming season.
