IPL 2025: CSK likely to retain MS Dhoni in lowest bid category ahead of mega auction

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction approaching closer, reports suggest that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to retain their iconic player, MS Dhoni. This decision comes after speculation about the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reviving the player retention policy for the upcoming season.

The IPL mega auction, slated for December this year, is likely to be held outside India, with the Middle East emerging as a potential host region. While the BCCI is yet to officially announce the retention rules, franchises are expected to have until mid-November to finalize their retention decisions. The auction is also anticipated to feature the return of Right to Match (RTM) options, adding another layer of strategy for teams.

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According to a RevSportzGlobal report, if the BCCI allows franchises to retain five players, CSK's list will include Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni, and Matheesha Pathirana. Notably, Dhoni is expected to be placed in the lowest bid category as per a mutual agreement, potentially allowing CSK to better its salary cap management.

Despite stepping down as captain just before the 2024 season, the veteran cricketer's influence on CSK remains wholehearted. In the previous season, he played all 14 games and scored 161 runs with 14 boundaries and 13 sixes. 

The BCCI is considering reintroducing a rule that would classify players who retired from international cricket for at least five years as uncapped players. This could significantly benefit CSK, allowing them to retain the Ranchi-born as an uncapped player and preserve more of their salary cap for other key players. Under previous regulations, retaining an uncapped player cost a franchise only INR four crore, compared to the INR 12 crore CSK paid to retain Dhoni in 2022.