Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made a surprise announcement regarding their number one retention decision and it’s none other than MS Dhoni. MS Dhoni has reportedly confirmed his availability to play IPL 2025 in the yellow jersey. As per the reports, the franchise’s CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed the news and also said that the CSK family is happy to see ‘Thala’ MSD in yet another season of the IPL.
A while back during an event in Goa, Dhoni had said that he wanted to enjoy the last few years of cricket that he has left in him.
While Dhoni is set to be retained as an uncapped player this time, the franchise can also sign up Rishabh Pant in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. It will be a huge moment for CSK if they manage to snap up Pant in the auction.
According to a report in The Indian Express, Chennai Super Kings have kept an eye on Rishabh Pant ahead of the mega auction. If Delhi Capitals do not keep Pant on their retention list, CSK is likely to bid high for the star wicketkeeper-batter.
Pant was on CSK’s wishlist for a long time. With Dhoni not expected to play much now, the franchise is eyeing some major changes in their team which also included bringing Rishabh Pant into the mix keeping the future in mind.
Pant could be a great addition to CSK’s team given the franchise is looking for a solid wicketkeeping option after MS Dhoni. Pant is currently India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in international cricket and can be a perfect replacement for Dhoni.
Pant has only been associated with DC since first stepping into the IPL in 2016. He has played 111 matches in the competition, scoring 3284 runs at an average and strike rate of 35.31 and 148.93 respectively.
The southpaw has smacked 18 half-centuries and a solitary ton, with the help of 296 fours and 154 maximums. He has also effected 23 stumpings and 75 catches from behind the stumps.
