Kasi Viswanathan, the CEO of Chennai Super Kings, expressed optimism regarding the potential participation of former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the IPL 2025 as a player.
Dhoni, renowned for leading CSK to an impressive five Indian Premier League titles, relinquished his captaincy prior to the commencement of the current season, entrusting Ruturaj Gaikwad with the leadership, ultimately resulting in a fifth-place finish for the team.
Amidst widespread speculation suggesting this could mark Dhoni's final season in the tournament, Viswanathan emphasized that the decision rests solely with the esteemed former India captain.
"I do not know. It is a question which only MS can answer. The question for us, we have always respected the decisions taken by MS. We have left it to him,"
Viswanathan remarked during an interview on CSK's YouTube channel.
"As all of you know, he has always taken his decisions and announced them at the appropriate time. We do expect that we will get a decision as and when he decides.
"But we are very, very hopeful that he will be available for CSK the next year. That is the view and expectations of the fans and mine."
Despite undergoing surgery to address a knee injury issue last year, Dhoni showcased his prowess by accumulating 161 runs from 73 balls at an impressive strike rate of 220.55 this season, demonstrating proficiency both with the bat and behind the stumps.
With a mega IPL auction slated later in the year, CSK's retention of Dhoni seems inevitable should he continue his cricketing journey.
However, clarity is required regarding the number of players permitted for retention.
Viswanathan disclosed that discussions with the BCCI regarding retention protocols are pending.
"It is too early because we have still not heard from BCCI on the kind of retentions which are going to be part of the next cycle of auction.
"So we are expecting that the BCCI would discuss with all franchise owners before they take a decision on retention."
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