Dhoni to play IPL next year? CSK provides important update

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

MS Dhoni has not yet confirmed his availability for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. After CSK's unexpected exit from the group stage in IPL 2024, Dhoni has not spoken about whether he will participate in the next season. With the mega auction for IPL 2025 approaching, Viswanathan hopes Dhoni will provide clarity before the October 31 deadline for franchises to submit their retained player lists.

«We have still no confirmation from him, though we will like him to continue playing for us. Hope he will confirm before 31st [October],» Viswanathan told ESPNcricinfo.

CSK has the option to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player due to recent rule changes. The IPL has reinstated a rule allowing players to be considered uncapped even if they retired from international cricket five years ago. If Dhoni confirms his availability, he is likely to be retained by CSK as an uncapped player, which would cost the franchise Rs 4 crore from its Rs 120 crore budget.

Dhoni last played for India during the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. Following his retirement from international cricket in 2020, he has only participated in the IPL. In the 2024 season, Dhoni scored 161 runs at a strike rate of 220, fulfilling his role as a finisher for the five-time champions.