IPL 2025: Raina explains CSK’s decision to retain MS Dhoni; shares thoughts on Gaikwad as franchise captain

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) superstar Suresh Raina has explained the franchise’s decision to retain their veteran MS Dhoni ahead of IPL 2025 while sharing thoughts on Ruturaj Gaikwad as team captain. Dhoni relinquished CSK’s captaincy before last season, handing the baton to the opener and seasoned campaigner Gaikwad. The joint-most successful IPL side retained both alongside Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana and Ravindra Jadeja, spending INR 65 crores.

Meanwhile, the IPL brought back an old rule, scrapped in 2021, which states that an Indian player who last played an international game five years before the retention date will be eligible to play IPL 2025 but as an uncapped player. With Dhoni’s last match for India dated back in July 2019, he fits the criteria, and thus, CSK retained him for INR 4 crore.

However, there is more to this. 

"CSK needs him," Raina said of Dhoni playing IPL 2025 during a conversation with Times of India (TOI). "Ruturaj is still a new captain; just one edition has gone by (with him as the skipper). So, I personally also believe he (Dhoni) should play."

ALSO READ: BGT - Perth Test, Day 3: Yashasvi Jaiswal nears 150 as India’s lead cross 320 at lunch

Speaking of Dhoni and his chances of prolonging his IPL career, Raina noted that he is fit enough to play two more years, and given his awareness about his body, Dhoni intentionally played so low the past season.

"He has the fitness, has been retained, so he wants to enjoy it for a couple of years. He bats only during the last 3-4 overs and is wicket-keeping well,” Raina continued.

Meanwhile, in the 2024 season, Dhoni played all 14 matches, batting in eight outings and scoring 161 runs at a whopping strike rate of 220.55. Overall, he has played 264 games, whacking 5243 runs, with his highest being 84*. 

CSK in IPL 2025 Mega Auction

CSK is among a few teams to have retained five players, with Captain Gaikwad and all-rounder Jadeja pocketing INR 18 crores each. While CSK retained the Sri Lankan seamer Pathirana for INR 13 crore, they secured Dube’s services for next season for INR 12 crore. 

Besides, given their history and how they approach players at the auction, CSK is likely to chase their former players, preparing to keep the core for the upcoming season, starting March 14, 2025.

(With inputs from agencies)