Suresh Raina Hopes MS Dhoni Will Play in IPL 2025
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has expressed his strong desire to see MS Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman, continue playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Following CSK’s victory in the 2023 IPL final against Gujarat Titans, Dhoni hinted at playing one more season, but with a caveat—his decision would depend on how his body holds up. The Ranchi-born cricket icon, now 43 years old, has remained tight-lipped about his future plans as the 2025 season approaches, leaving fans and cricket pundits speculating.
Several media outlets have reported that Dhoni’s final decision will likely hinge on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announcing the retention and Right to Match (RTM) policies ahead of the upcoming auction. The IPL governing council is expected to finalize and announce these policies in the first week of September, which could be a decisive factor in whether Dhoni suits up for CSK once again.
Regardless of the uncertainty, Raina has made it clear that he wants Dhoni to continue playing in the lucrative T20 tournament. Raina recalled Dhoni’s impressive batting performances during the last IPL season, emphasizing how his presence on the field is invaluable not just for the team but also for younger players like Ruturaj Gaikwad. According to Raina, Gaikwad, who has been groomed by Dhoni and was even handed the captaincy during parts of the season, could benefit greatly from another year of Dhoni’s mentorship.
Raina’s comments come as a reflection of Dhoni’s enduring influence in the game. Despite the challenges he faced during the 2024 IPL season, Dhoni showcased his batting prowess by scoring 161 runs in 11 innings at an extraordinary strike rate of 220.54. However, even with such staggering numbers, CSK fell short of making it to the playoffs, highlighting the team’s dependency on Dhoni’s leadership.
Dhoni, ever the team player, has consistently stated that any decision he makes will be in the best interest of the team. Over his storied IPL career, Dhoni has played 264 matches, accumulating 5243 runs at a strike rate of 137.53. His calm demeanor and sharp cricketing mind have not only made him one of the most successful captains in IPL history but also a guiding force for CSK, a franchise with which his name has become almost synonymous.
As the anticipation builds around Dhoni’s potential participation in IPL 2025, Suresh Raina’s endorsement adds another layer of intrigue. Raina, who has shared many memorable moments with Dhoni both for CSK and the Indian national team, knows the value Dhoni brings to the table, both on and off the field.
While Dhoni’s decision remains pending, Raina himself is gearing up for the upcoming season of the Legends League Cricket (LLC). The tournament, which is set to kick off on September 20, will see Raina competing alongside some of his former teammates, including Dinesh Karthik and Shikhar Dhawan. This edition of LLC will be hosted across several Indian cities, including Jodhpur, Surat, Jammu, and Srinagar.
In conclusion, the cricketing world awaits Dhoni’s decision with bated breath. Should he choose to return for another IPL season, it would not only be a treat for his fans but also a significant boost for CSK, particularly for emerging players like Ruturaj Gaikwad. Until the BCCI makes its policies clear and Dhoni himself announces his plans, the cricket fraternity can only hope that the legendary cricketer will grace the IPL stage once more.