CSK CEO Comments On MS Dhoni's IPL Future And Preparations For 2025 Auction

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has expressed that both fans and the five-time champions want MS Dhoni to continue playing in IPL 2024. He stated that, as always, the decision lies with Dhoni himself.

The 42-year-old Dhoni, who has led CSK to a record five IPL titles, stepped down as captain before the start of the current season. He handed over the responsibilities to Ruturaj Gaikwad, who led the team to a fifth-place finish.

Speculations have been rife that this could be Dhoni's final season in the tournament. However, Viswanathan emphasized that it is entirely up to the former India captain to make a final decision on his future.

"I do not know. It is a question which only MS can answer. The question for us, we have always respected the decisions taken by MS. We have left it to him," he said during an interaction on CSK's YouTube channel.

"As all of you know, he has always taken his decisions and announced them at the appropriate time. We do expect that we will get a decision as and when he decides. But we are very, very hopeful that he will be available for CSK next year. That is the view and expectations of the fans and mine," he added.

Dhoni, who underwent surgery to treat a knee injury last year, scored 161 runs in 73 balls at a strike rate of 220.55 this season. He also performed well behind the stumps. A mega IPL auction is scheduled later in the year, and if Dhoni continues, CSK will undoubtedly retain him. However, clarity is still needed on the number of players allowed to be retained.

Viswanathan mentioned that discussions are yet to take place with the BCCI regarding retentions. "It is too early because we have still not heard from BCCI on the kind of retentions which are going to be part of the next cycle of auction. So we are expecting that the BCCI would discuss with all franchise owners before they take a decision on retention," he said.

(With Input From PTI)