Ravichandran Ashwin Proposes Retaining MS Dhoni as Capped Player for IPL 2025
Ravichandran Ashwin has presented a compelling suggestion regarding Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) retention strategy for the upcoming IPL 2025 auction, advocating for the retention of MS Dhoni as a capped player. The suggestion emerged in light of ongoing debates surrounding the CSK lineup, as the franchise seeks to optimize its approach for the next season. Ashwin’s proposal involves retaining Dhoni not as an uncapped player, which could potentially be more budget-friendly, but rather acknowledging him as one of the team’s primary capped players alongside key names like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, and Shivam Dube.
Ashwin’s reasoning emphasizes the immense value Dhoni brings to the team both as a player and a leader. Under existing IPL guidelines, players who have not played international cricket for over five years can be classified as uncapped. This rule allows teams to retain such players at a lower cost, providing more financial flexibility for other roster decisions. Dhoni, having retired from international cricket, qualifies under this provision, and CSK could retain him for as low as Rs 4 crore. However, Ashwin argues that retaining Dhoni as a capped player would better reflect his enduring impact on the franchise, given his leadership qualities and match-winning capabilities.
Further elaborating on his views through his YouTube channel, Ashwin pointed out that retaining players like Dhoni under a capped designation could ensure the team remains competitive while maintaining respect for its veteran players. Ashwin likened this to other franchise practices, proposing that if a team like Mumbai Indians can retain multiple key players, CSK should be able to do the same by including Dhoni alongside Ruturaj, Jadeja, Pathirana, Dube, and potentially Sameer Rizvi. This lineup, Ashwin believes, would provide CSK a solid foundation to build upon for the next season.
Nevertheless, Ashwin’s suggestion to retain Rizvi as part of the primary group sparked differing opinions. Former South Africa performance analyst Prasanna Raman questioned the idea, especially given Rizvi’s performance in the previous season, where he managed only 51 runs across eight matches with a strike rate of 118. Bought by CSK for Rs 8.4 crore in IPL 2024, Rizvi struggled to live up to the expectations attached to his high price tag, and Raman doubted whether Rizvi would agree to continue playing for Rs 4 crore, suggesting that other options might be more prudent.
Ashwin countered by highlighting Rizvi’s recent performances in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League, where he demonstrated considerable promise. Ashwin compared Rizvi to other emerging talents like Shahrukh Khan, Abhinav Manohar, and Dhruv Jurel, emphasizing his potential for growth and future contributions to the team. According to Ashwin, players like Rizvi, who show significant upside, could be valuable assets to retain.
The potential decision regarding Dhoni’s retention has stirred discussions about loyalty to long-serving players and the practical demands of franchise management. Dhoni’s legacy at CSK extends beyond statistics; his leadership has played a crucial role in guiding the team to multiple IPL titles, earning him a revered status among fans and players alike. Retaining him as a capped player could be seen as a gesture of respect for his longstanding contributions, while also keeping the franchise competitive.
As IPL 2025 draws nearer, CSK faces the challenge of balancing tradition with strategy, striving to remain a dominant force in the league. The decisions surrounding player retention will shape the team’s future trajectory, and how they handle the Dhoni situation will be watched closely. The IPL Governing Council’s rule for uncapped players provides an opportunity for financial leeway, but Ashwin’s suggestion underscores the value of considering the broader impact a player like Dhoni has on the team’s morale and on-field performance.
CSK’s approach to the 2025 season will need to be multifaceted, as they aim to blend experience with emerging talent to achieve continued success. Retention decisions will play a significant role in determining how the team builds its roster and competes in the auction. With Dhoni’s legacy and leadership on the line, the franchise must weigh its options carefully to ensure the best path forward.