Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been retained by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. He entered the auction as an “uncapped player” under a new BCCI rule. Dhoni retired from international cricket over five years ago, so CSK leveraged this policy, allowing them to retain him at a reduced salary of INR 4 crore.
The veteran skipper will again don the iconic yellow jersey, bringing his wealth of experience and fan-favorite status to the upcoming season. As CSK gears up for the auction, Dhoni recently made a rare public appearance celebrating a friend’s birthday at a local gym in Ranchi.
In the viral video shared on social media, Dhoni can be seen standing next to his gym mate as he cuts the cake, sharing a lighthearted moment and even tasting a piece himself. This small gesture thrilled fans, offering a glimpse into Dhoni’s grounded lifestyle off the field.
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The IPL 2025 mega auction is set to take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. CSK, one of the most strategic franchises, retained five players ahead of the auction: Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, and Shivam Dube.
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After spending INR 65 crore on these retentions, they will enter the auction with INR 55 crore, aiming to craft a squad with the ideal mix of experience and emerging talent. When reflecting on his remaining IPL years, Dhoni shared that he focuses on rediscovering the pure joy of playing. Speaking at a recent event, he expressed a desire to play the sport as he once did as a child, free of professional pressures.
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“I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I’m able to play. Like how during our childhood, we used to go out and play at 4 p.m., just enjoying the game. Professional commitments make it tough to play freely, so I want to embrace these moments for the next few years,” MS Dhoni shared.
As Dhoni prepares for the next chapter with CSK, fans eagerly anticipate what this legendary player will bring to the field, continuing his enduring legacy in the IPL.
