The legendary Indian cricketer MS Dhoni is set to don the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) jersey once again in the upcoming IPL 2025 season. The 43 years old wicketkeeper-batter, who has been a cornerstone of the Chennai franchise since the league’s inception, was retained for Rs 4 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Known for his unmatched calm composure and cricketing acumen, Dhoni is already gearing up for the 18th edition of the tournament, with training sessions underway at an indoor facility in Ranchi.
Despite stepping down as the CSK captain before the 2024 season, Dhoni remains an integral part of the team. A recent video showing him training and briefly using a mobile phone during practice has captured fans’ attention and quickly gone viral. This rare glimpse into Dhoni’s off-field life is significant as he is famously elusive. Friends and family often remark on how difficult it is to reach him when he’s away from the cricket field, given his reluctance to carry a mobile phone.
Here is the viral video:
https://x.com/ChakriDhonii/status/1882660448660845041
Click to watch this video directly on X
Having participated in every IPL season since its inception, Dhoni’s association with the league is unparalleled. Speculation about his retirement after the IPL 2024 proved unfounded, as he opted to continue and was retained under the uncapped player rule. Over his illustrious IPL career, Dhoni has amassed more than 5,000 runs, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest icons of the league.
Alongside Dhoni, CSK retained a solid core of players, including Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja, both for Rs 18 crore each, as well as Matheesha Pathirana (Rs 13 crore) and Shivam Dube (Rs 12 crore). The team made strategic additions during the mega auction, held in Jeddah on November 24 and 25, securing prominent names like Ravichandran Ashwin for Rs 9.75 crore and Afghan spinner Noor Ahmed, who became their most expensive buy at Rs 10 crore. Noor, just 20 years old, has already made a mark in the IPL, playing 23 matches for Gujarat Titans across the 2023 and 2024 seasons. CSK also utilised the Right to Match (RTM) card to secure New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra.
With five IPL titles under their belt, CSK shares the honor of being the league’s most successful franchise with MI. The team’s strategic moves, blending experienced players like MS Dhoni and Ravichandran Ashwin with promising talents such as Noor Ahmed and Rachin Ravindra , reflect their determination to clinch a record-breaking sixth title. As preparations intensify, all eyes will be on Dhoni and his beloved “Men in Yellow” as they aim to create more records in the history of the IPL.
