NEW DELHI: Amid widespread speculation that the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season would mark MS Dhoni's final appearance, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon is confirmed to return for his 18th season, as seen in CSK’s retained players list.
CSK have retained five players, including Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana.
The 43-year-old Dhoni agreed to a significant salary cut, signing for Rs. 4 crore for the 2025 season.
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His retention falls under the 'uncapped player' category, following the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s reinstatement of a rule allowing teams to classify players as uncapped if they haven't represented India in over five years.
CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan hinted at Dhoni’s future, suggesting that the former Indian captain aims to end his career at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, aligning with Dhoni’s 2021 statement during a CSK victory celebration.
"As far as Mahi bhai (brother) is concerned, you know he keeps everything to himself. It comes out at the last moment only. Knowing the passion he has for CSK, and also knowing the following he has, and he also mentioned in one of the interviews that he'll play his last game in Chennai, we're hoping that he will continue as far as CSK is concerned.
"As long as MS wants to play, the doors are open. Knowing him, his commitment, and his dedication, I'm sure he'll always take the right decision," said Viswanathan in a chat with Ambati Rayudu on Provoke TV.
Dhoni, who led CSK since 2008, briefly joined Rising Pune SuperGiants in 2016 and 2017 before passing CSK’s captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the 2024 season.
