(Navbharat Times)
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra shared his thoughts on whether the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) should retain the legendary MS Dhoni for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Chopra hinted that Dhoni might feel it would be unwise to stay with the Super Kings for the next three-year cycle due to financial reasons.
MS Dhoni stepped down as captain before the start of the IPL 2024 season, handing over leadership to Ruturaj Gaikwad after guiding CSK to five IPL titles. Under Gaikwad’s captaincy, the Chennai team failed to reach the playoffs in the recently concluded tournament.
Ahead of the IPL 2022 season, CSK retained MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Jadeja was the first pick at 16 crores, while Dhoni was the second retention at 12 crores. Despite battling injuries, the wicketkeeper-batter played for CSK over the last three seasons.
Throughout the tournament, Dhoni batted lower in the order due to a muscle tear, scoring 161 runs in 11 innings with an average of 53.67 and a strike rate of 220.55. In his final innings against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the veteran batter scored 25 runs off 13 balls, including three boundaries and a six.
If He Wants To Stay, He Will Stay – Aakash Chopra
In a YouTube video, Aakash Chopra proposed that MS Dhoni’s decision to remain with CSK in the IPL depends largely on his personal preference. Chopra also mentioned that Dhoni might take financial aspects into account when deciding on his future in the IPL.
“Dhoni’s simple story is that if he wants to stay, he will stay. However, he might think that the money will be wasted if he stays here for three years and there could be problems in retention as eight to 10 crores should be spent on him, but then those won’t be available when you go to the auction,” Chopra said.
“I am not 100 percent certain whether Dhoni will be retained or not. It’s almost guaranteed he won’t go into the auction but will he be retained, will he play, we really don’t know right now,” he added.
Have To Retain Ruturaj Gaikwad – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra selected Ruturaj Gaikwad as the top retention choice for the Chennai-based franchise. The former cricketer turned commentator emphasized Gaikwad’s leadership skills, consistent performance, and scoring ability. Chopra indicated that investing in Gaikwad is essential for the team’s future success.
“Let’s start with the captain, the prince of this team – Ruturaj. You have to retain him. He is the captain, he is consistent, scored runs this year as well, and you want to invest in him. This team has played under very limited captains. So Ruturaj Gaikwad will be my first retention,” Chopra further added.
Aakash Chopra asserted that CSK will keep Ravindra Jadeja on the roster despite his recent performance decline. The former Indian opener also pointed out that Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana and New Zealand opener Devon Conway are likely candidates for overseas retentions by the Super Kings for the next three years in the lucrative league.
