Former India and Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MS Dhoni) is yet to confirm participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 edition. As disclosed by franchise CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan to Sports Vikatan, MS Dhoni has kept the franchise waiting, and stated that he will decide by October 31, which is the deadline for IPL Retentions by BCCI. IPL 2025 Mega Auction Likely to Take Place in Riyadh on November 24 and 25: Report.

Interestingly, the IPL Governing Council in their retention ruling stated that any player, who has not featured in any international cricket in the last five years, can be retained as an 'uncapped player', paving the way for CSK to keep Dhoni with them under this new clause.

Dhoni retired in 2020, having last played for India in the ICC World Cup 2019 Semi Final against New Zealand. Dhoni relinquished his CSK captaincy this year after winning his fifth IPL title in 2023 and handed over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad, raising speculation about the 2024 edition being his last.

However, Dhoni has since IPL 2024 has not played any cricket, and been only lately seen working out at a local gym in Ranchi. Viswanathan hoped that Dhoni would be back in action for the IPL 2025 season, and give his approval for retention.  IPL Franchises and Manchester United Co-Owners Showing Interest in ‘The Hundred’? Report Shows Top Bidders Compete For Stake in ECB’s Short Format Cricket Tournament.

Interestingly, Dhoni despite playing IPL 2023 with a troubled knee, made a comeback on the field for IPL 2024 after undergoing a successful operation., where the batter showcased his brutal best for CSK in crunch moments.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 21, 2024 03:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).