If MS Dhoni is available, he would certainly be CSK's first choice for IPL 2025 retention, says Harbhajan Singh
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh reckons that MS Dhoni would be Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) first choice for IPL 2025 retention if the legend makes himself available for the next season of the T20 league. The latter is yet to confirm his availability for IPL 2025. As per reports, October 31 is the deadline for all 10 franchises to submit their retention list.
Dhoni led CSK to a record-equaling fifth IPL title in the 2023 season. He played in the 2024 edition as well, but as a keeper-batter, having handed over the responsibility of leadership to Ruturaj Gaikwad. The 43-year-old has struggled with his fitness over the last two seasons owing to issues with his knee.
In an interaction with Star Sports, Harbhajan asserted that CSK will not have any hesitation in retaining Dhoni if the former India captain gives his go-ahead.
“I’m not certain if Dhoni will play or not, but if he’s available, he would certainly be the team’s first choice for retention, even if he is considered an uncapped player this season. Following him, the next pick would be Ravindra Jadeja, then Rachin Ravindra. As for the captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, he would also be a definite retention," Harbhajan said, as quoted by India Today.
Harbhajan added that, apart from Dhoni, Gaikwad, Jadeja and Ravindra, Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana could also be a candidate for retention.
"We could also see Pathirana, who is an excellent bowler, kept in the squad. And if an uncapped player is retained, there could be a surprise choice, but its possible CSK will only retain five players. So in my view, the likely retentions - are Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Pathirana," the 44-year-old added.
In 20 matches for CSK, Pathirana has claimed 34 wickets at an average of 17.41 and an economy rate of 7.88, with a best of 4-28.
CSK CEO recently admitted that MS Dhoni is yet to confirm his IPL 2025 plans
Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan recently expressed hope that Dhoni would turn out for the franchise in the IPL 2025 season. However, he admitted that the cricket legend hadn't confirmed his availability for the upcoming edition.
India Today quoted a report from Sports Vikatan in which Viswanathan said:
"We also want Dhoni to play in the CSK team. But Dhoni has not confirmed it to us yet. Dhoni said, 'I will tell you before October 31.' We hope that he will play."
Under Gaikwad's captaincy, CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2024. As for Dhoni, he contributed 161 runs in 73 balls at a strike rate of 220.55, playing some excellent cameos.