MS Dhoni might join CSK as mentor in 2025 if IPL doesn't allow more than 5 retentions: Reports

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) don't see former captain MS Dhoni among their first-choice retentions for IPL 2025, according to a report by Cricbuzz. The stakeholders see skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, and Shivam Dube (not in any particular order) ahead of Dhoni, who would come into the picture as a player only if five or six retentions are allowed.

Otherwise, the report said, he'd join the team as a mentor and maintain his influence as part of the leadership staff. Dhoni is also said to have discussed this with CSK's owner company India Cements' supremo N Srinivasan.

The IPL is set to have a mega auction ahead of the 2025 season. The number of players they would allow each franchise to retain, the number of Right-to-Match cards each franchise would get, and the salary tiers are currently anybody's guess.

Various reports have cited different franchises asking for a different number. It's all likely to be decided in the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) meeting with team owners in Mumbai on Wednesday, July 31.

MS Dhoni gave me a lot of security quickly: Jasprit Bumrah

Despite the uncertainty around his future, Dhoni continues to remain a shining light for many Indian and international cricketers. In the past week, multiple overseas CSK players have thanked him for the role he has played in their success.

Most significantly, India's fast bowling ace Jasprit Bumrah spoke about how the wicketkeeper-batter made him feel secure when he first came to the team.

"He (Dhoni) gave me a lot of security quickly," Bumrah said on the Express Adda show (1:00:54). "When I came to Australia, I had just taken a flight and I didn't know anyone. How do you talk to MS Dhoni first time? You are suddenly playing a game and not practiced with the team. He is one of the guys who has a lot of faith in his instincts and doesn't believe in a lot of planning."

Dhoni, now 43 years old, himself has remained non-committal, at least publically, on his future. Unlike IPL 2023, an interview with him wasn't possible after the 2024 season for he was no longer the captain.