Dhoni on playing IPL 2025: ‘Ball not in our court, will decide in best interest of CSK’

Will MS Dhoni have another go in Yellow for the Chennai Super Kings next IPL season? The legendary India wicket-keeper has left that decision down to the BCCI and the “best interest” of CSK.

The 43-year-old Dhoni, whose IPL 2024 season had ended with a group-stage exit earlier this year, said a return to the field with CSK would depend on the rules set by the BCCI and the IPL governing council for the upcoming IPL 2025 auction.

“There is a lot of time for it. We have to see what decision they take on player retention etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court.

“So, once the rules and regulations get formarlised, I will take a call, but needs to be in the best interest of the team,” Dhoni said as he answered a fan’s question during a promotional event in Hyderabad.

A day before the start of the IPL 2024 season in Chennai, Dhoni announced that he had stepped down as CSK’s captain having led the side to five titles and passed the baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad.

On Wednesday, the BCCI had held a meeting with all the 10 IPL franchise owners in Mumbai to formalize the procedures and standards for the upcoming IPL auction. Teams have been divided in their opinions regarding the number of player retentions and the need for another mega auction within a short span.

The Indian Express understands that a majority of the teams who are part of the tournament since its inception are keen on continuity and have made a strong pitch to have the big auctions in a 4 or 5 year cycle. With the mood among the franchises very clear, the ball is now in the BCCI court to decide.

Citing the last two big player auctions which were held in a four year cycle (2018 and 2022), it is learnt that some of the top franchises have informed the BCCI that they are not keen on losing their key talents at this stage, especially after investing in them over the last three years.

Dhoni’s decision would therefore ultimately whittle down to the structure set by the BCCI.

‘Bumrah favourite bowler’

Meanwhile, Dhoni also highlighted India speedster Jasprit Bumrah as his current favourite bowlers. However, the two-time World Cup winning captain refrained from choosing a batter between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

“It’s easy to pick my favourite bowler because Bumrah is there. It’s difficult to pick a batsman because we have many good batsmen. But that doesn’t mean bowlers aren’t good,” said Dhoni.

“It’s difficult to pick one among batters as whomever I see batting, he looks the best. But when I see someone else he also looks great. But as long as Team India is winning, I don’t want to pick a batter (as my favourite). I hope they will keep scoring runs for the team,” Dhoni added.

Bumrah made his international debut for India in Australia under Dhoni’s leadership. The pace spearhead was also adjudged the Player of the Tournament during India’s T20 World Cup win in the Caribbean in June.

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