Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auctions are set to take place in November, and the franchises have announced their retentions. Among the notable retentions, MS Dhoni's return to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has garnered significant attention.CSK retained Dhoni for Rs 4 crore under the uncapped player category, along with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (INR 18 crore), Matheesha Pathirana (INR 13 crore), Shivam Dube (INR 12 crore), and Ravindra Jadeja (INR 18 crore). Dhoni's retention has sparked discussions about his potential role in the team.Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes Dhoni should lead CSK in the upcoming season, stating that his captaincy would make the tournament more exciting. "Dhoni should become captain of CSK in IPL 2025. He played under Ruturaj Gaikwad last season. It was not so much fun to watch. Even if Dhoni doesn't bat, he can make more impact as captain and wicketkeeper alone for CSK," Manjrekar said.Mohammad Kaif, another former India star, praised CSK's retention strategy, highlighting the financial advantage it provides. "CSK have played really well. They have saved 10-15 crores. I feel that the way this rule was brought back because we were driven by emotions, and we all really wanted MS Dhoni to play another year...I feel CSK played very smartly there. Yes, he is taking less money, but it would allow CSK to buy big names players at the auction," Kaif said.Kaif also expressed his belief that players who continue to perform well in the IPL after being dropped from the Indian team should not be subject to the uncapped player rule. "I feel whichever player plays for India, I was 36 when I last played an international match for India... now if I get dropped from the team, but continue to have a good IPL run, then I should not have come under the uncapped player rule," he added.

Amidst the fervor of the Indian Premier League (IPL) retentions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni celebrated Diwali with family and friends. The festivities coincided with the announcement of CSK's five retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.Dhoni, the former India and CSK captain, was retained as the 'uncapped' player for Rs 4 crore. This move was made possible by a rule allowing players who have not played international cricket or been centrally contracted to the BCCI for five or more years to be retained as 'uncapped' players.Dhoni's retention puts to rest rumors of his retirement. He has expressed his desire to enjoy the "last few years" of his career, indicating that he still has cricket left in him.CSK also showed faith in Ruturaj Gaikwad, who took over captaincy from Dhoni. Gaikwad was retained for Rs 18 crore, the same fee paid to retain Ravindra Jadeja. Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana and Indian middle-order powerhitter Shivam Dube were also retained by CSK.As a result, CSK retained four players as capped and one as uncapped, leaving them with one Right to Match (RTM) card to use at the auction. Players like Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, and Sameer Rizvi are potential candidates for CSK's RTM.The IPL auction is expected to take place in the last week of November. CSK will be looking to strengthen their squad with the remaining slots and RTM card.

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has hinted at a potential move for wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Raina revealed that Pant met with CSK legend MS Dhoni in Delhi, sparking speculation about a possible transfer.The Indian Premier League (IPL) player retention lists were announced on Wednesday, with Dhoni retained by CSK as an uncapped player for Rs 4 crore. Pant, on the other hand, was released by the Delhi Capitals (DC) after eight seasons with the franchise.Speaking to JioCinema, Raina said, "I met MS Dhoni in Delhi, Pant was also there. I think something big is to happen. Someone will be wearing a yellow jersey soon."This statement comes amidst reports that Pant is set to join CSK. The move would not be surprising, as Dhoni is nearing the end of his career and Pant could become the franchise's next star wicketkeeper-batter or even captain.In 111 matches for DC, Pant scored 3,284 runs at an average of 148.93, with a century and 17 fifties. He is the franchise's leading run-getter. Under his captaincy, DC reached the playoffs in 2021 but failed to progress beyond the league stages in 2022 and 2023.In the last season, Pant scored 446 runs in 13 matches for DC, averaging over 40 and striking at over 155. He scored three half-centuries and had a best score of 88*. While he was the franchise's top run-getter, DC missed out on the playoffs, finishing sixth with seven wins and seven losses.DC have retained all-rounder Axar Patel, spinner Kuldeep Yadav, batters Tristan Stubbs, and Abishek Porel ahead of this year's mega auction.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has retained five key players ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 auction, including captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, and the legendary MS Dhoni. Dhoni's retention at a modest price of INR 4 crore has sparked discussions among fans and experts.The new IPL rule classifies players who have not represented India in the past five years as "uncapped." This rule has drawn criticism from former India cricketers Mohammad Kaif and Sanjay Manjrekar.Kaif believes that CSK has cleverly exploited the rule to save money and acquire big-name players at the auction. He argues that Dhoni, despite his age and lack of recent international appearances, should not be considered uncapped due to his exceptional IPL performances.Manjrekar echoed Kaif's sentiments, stating that the rule has been reintroduced solely to accommodate Dhoni's return. He humorously pointed out that even Kaif and himself would now be considered uncapped players under this rule.The retention of Dhoni has been a major talking point, with fans and experts debating the value of his experience and leadership. Some argue that his presence is invaluable to CSK, while others question whether he can still perform at the highest level.Despite the controversy surrounding the uncapped rule, CSK's retention strategy has been praised by many. The team has managed to retain its core players while also freeing up funds to acquire new talent at the auction.The IPL 2025 auction is expected to be highly competitive, with several teams looking to strengthen their squads. CSK's shrewd retention strategy has positioned them well to compete for the title once again.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are planning for the future without their iconic wicket-keeper batter MS Dhoni. The five-time IPL champions have identified India star Rishabh Pant as their top target in the IPL 2025 auction.Dhoni is expected to be retained by CSK as an 'uncapped player' under the new rule. However, the franchise is looking at a long-term plan. According to the Indian Express, Pant has emerged as the top pick for CSK. The franchise is keen on acquiring Pant if he enters the auction pool.CSK has decided to retain skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, and Dhoni. The decision on all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will depend on Pant's situation at Delhi Capitals.If Pant enters the auction, CSK believes he will command a price around Rs 20 crore. This may result in the franchise not retaining Jadeja. However, CSK may use the Right To Match (RTM) option for Jadeja in that case.Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans (GT) is likely to retain skipper Shubman Gill, star spinner Rashid Khan, young opener Sai Sudharsan, and explosive hitters Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.These retentions will leave GT with one RTM card option at the upcoming auction. With the amount given to each player still unknown, GT will have around Rs 51 crores deducted from their overall purse of Rs 120 crores for retaining three international players and two uncapped players.All franchises must submit their list of retained players by October 31. Each team can retain six players, with a maximum of five capped and two uncapped. This can be done via retention or the RTM option.

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction approaching, the focus intensifies on the retention strategies of the participating teams. Among the most anticipated decisions are those of Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), two franchises with immense fan followings.According to reports, CSK has finalized its five retentions: MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana. This move signals the departure of star players like Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway. The retentions are estimated to cost CSK around Rs 65 crore from a total purse of Rs 120 crore.Meanwhile, speculation runs rampant regarding the retention plans of other teams. Former Indian captain MS Dhoni, who has led CSK to five IPL titles, has confirmed his participation in IPL 2025. He is expected to be retained for a mere Rs 4 crores due to a BCCI rule that classifies Indian players as "uncapped" if they have not played for the national team in the past five years.The IPL auction is known for its unpredictable nature, and Dhoni himself has acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the process. "Everyone is a team owner now," he quipped at a recent event. "We should be prepared for whatever players they decide to purchase."As the October 31 deadline for releasing retention lists approaches, the IPL community eagerly awaits the official announcements. The mega auction promises to reshape the landscape of the league, with several big names likely to be released and new stars emerging.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, is set to be retained by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Along with Dhoni, CSK will also retain captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, batter Shivam Dube, and Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana.The IPL has introduced a new rule that allows players who haven't played international cricket for five years to be considered in the uncapped category. This rule change benefits Dhoni, who hasn't played for India since the 2019 ODI World Cup. As a result, he is likely to be retained as an uncapped player, saving CSK a significant amount of money.The amounts CSK will pay to each retained player are yet to be confirmed, but they will lose at least INR 65 crore from their overall purse of INR 120 crore. The five retentions will leave them with one right-to-match option at the auction.The IPL has set minimum deductions from the auction purse for each player retained: INR 18 crore for the first player, INR 14 crore for the second, INR 11 crore for the third, INR 18 crore for the fourth, INR 14 crore for the fifth, and INR 4 crore for an uncapped player. However, franchises are free to pay more or less than these amounts to their retained players.The deadline for franchises to submit their list of retained players to the IPL is October 31. Teams are allowed to retain up to six players ahead of the mega auction, with a maximum of five capped internationals and two uncapped players.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 retention deadline looms on Thursday, sparking speculation and anticipation among fans and experts alike. While the BCCI and franchises remain tight-lipped, rumors have been swirling about which big names could find themselves in the mega auction.Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni, known for his witty remarks, recently addressed the ongoing discussions with a humorous quip. "Everyone is a team owner now," Dhoni said. "Whatever player they desire, whoever is going up for auction, and whoever they decide to purchase, we should be prepared for it. IPL auction works in mysterious ways."Dhoni, who led Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles, has confirmed his participation in IPL 2025. The veteran wicket-keeper batter is expected to be retained by CSK for a mere Rs 4 crores, thanks to a BCCI rule that classifies Indian players who haven't played for the national team in the last five years as 'uncapped.'"People enter the auction, and there's the uncertainty of where you'll end up," Dhoni explained. "The most delightful aspect comes from the fans. They are the ones who make predictions on which team a certain player will end up with. Look, you find yourself in a market where all teams are well-funded.""Whoever acquires you, you will need to perform for them," Dhoni added. "That certainly is the beauty of the IPL auction. It's not simply a trade; rather, it involves one player being moved to another franchise. You have the freedom to go wherever you desire."The IPL auction is a highly anticipated event that brings together the best cricketers from around the world. With the retention deadline approaching, the excitement is building as fans eagerly await the unveiling of the final rosters.

With the IPL 2024 retention deadline fast approaching, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are facing crucial decisions regarding their player roster. The team's most pressing concern is the status of legendary captain MS Dhoni, who has hinted at continuing his IPL career.CSK's retention strategy has been the subject of intense speculation, with many wondering whether Dhoni will be retained as an uncapped or capped player. The franchise has remained tight-lipped about its plans, but a recent social media post has sparked a flurry of predictions.On Tuesday evening, CSK posted a cryptic message on Twitter featuring emojis of a helicopter, sword, star, rocket, and others. Social media users quickly interpreted these emojis as hints towards the team's retained players.According to popular predictions, Ravindra Jadeja, Ritiraj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathiarana, MS Dhoni, and Rachin Ravindra are likely to be retained. Jadeja, the all-rounder, is believed to be CSK's top retention choice, while Gaikwad, the young opener, has emerged as a key player for the team.However, some have dismissed the social media predictions, claiming that the post is an old one that has been re-published. CSK has not officially confirmed any retentions, and the final list will only be revealed on the deadline day.Meanwhile, Dhoni has dropped a subtle hint about his IPL future. During an event, he expressed his desire to enjoy the remaining years of his cricket career. "I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play," Dhoni said.CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has also expressed his delight at Dhoni's willingness to continue playing. "When he is ready, what else (do) we want. We are happy," Viswanathan told Cricbuzz.Despite the uncertainty surrounding Dhoni's status, CSK is reportedly considering Jadeja as their No. 1 retention choice. The all-rounder has been a vital cog in the team's success over the years and is expected to lead the side in the upcoming season.As the retention deadline approaches, CSK will have to make some tough decisions to shape their squad for the 2024 season. The retention of Dhoni and Jadeja will be crucial for the team's hopes of regaining the IPL title.