Uncertainty looms over the future of MS Dhoni with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) even months after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.
Dhoni resigned as the captain of the CSK ahead of the start of the season this year, passing captainship to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Though CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs, Ruturaj’s leadership was praised by all the cricket pundits.
But, does that mean its end for Dhoni as a player?
According to the reports, MS Dhoni’s future in the league is contingent on the retention decision the IPL management and the BCCI take.
With a mega auction scheduled to be held before the start of the IPL 2025 season, there isn’t much certainty around the number of players the BCCI will allow the franchises to retain.
According to a report in Cricbuzz, Dhoni could continue to play for CSK in the IPL if the BCCI allows the retention of 5 to 6 players in each franchise.
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Currently, CSK is expected to prioritize retaining key players such as skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, and Shivam Dube., though the order of retention could be different.
Earlier, the IPL management had invited franchise owners for a meeting on July 31 to discuss retention policy.
IPL CEO Hemang Amin reportedly reached out to the franchise owners for the meeting via text messages, though the timing and venue weren’t confirmed at that point in time.
“Amin is understood to have also indicated that the meeting would occur in the late afternoon or evening on July 31. It is believed that all the owners have confirmed their availability for the meeting,” a report said.
“While the exact venue has not been confirmed, the congregation is expected to take place at the Cricket Centre, the BCCI headquarters, located within the Wankhede Stadium complex in Mumbai,” it added.
The report also stated that retention of 5-6 players could be allowed by the BCCI.
