CSK Firmly Decide on MS Dhoni's Future, Finalize Five-Man Retention Shortlist for IPL 2025 Auction: Report

According to RevSportz, CSK are expected to retain MS Dhoni at a reduced retention price. Along with Dhoni, a select group of players including Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ruturaj Gaikwad are likely to be retained at a higher value.

With the BCCI yet to finalise the retention policy for the second mega auction in three years, the five-time champions are waiting to see how many players they can retain.

While Dhoni is reportedly part of CSK’s plans for 2025, it remains to be seen in what capacity he will continue. The report suggests that Dhoni may not take up a significant portion of CSK’s auction purse; if the BCCI brings back the old retention rule that allowed players who retired from international cricket for over five years to be retained as uncapped players, Dhoni and CSK could benefit.

The veteran keeper-batter has been batting lower in the order, delivering brief but impactful innings, though he has visibly limited his running between the wickets in recent years.

Jadeja, despite being 36, remains a key all-rounder for the franchise, having previously served as captain in 2022. Meanwhile, Dube has thrived in CSK’s middle order, consistently delivering runs over the past two seasons. Pathirana, often compared to Lasith Malinga due to his unique bowling action, has emerged as a death-over specialist for the team, grabbing crucial wickets and maintaining an impressive economy rate.

It is believed that the final decision on whether to play the 2025 season rests with Dhoni, but he has characteristically remained tight-lipped on his plans.