Following the exit of MS Dhoni as a CSK skipper, speculations are rife around the veteran player's participation for the upcoming IPL season. As all teams prepare themselves to announce the list of their retainined players on October 31, Dhoni has casted light on his availability for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Dhoni stepped down as a CSK skipper in the last season thus handing the captaincy baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Following the introduction of a resvied rule, CSK will have to option to retain him as an uncapped player. As per the latest amendments made by the govering body, franchises will now be able to retain any player who has retired from international cricket for up to five years as an uncapped player.

Speaking in a promotional event in Goa, Dhoni has admitted that he only has a few years of cricket left in him and wants to make the most of it. As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the 42-year-old wants to revist his good old days when he used to enjoy the sport as a child while at the same time balance his emotions and commitments to the game. 

CSK CEO, Kasi Viswanathan was more than happy to receive this positive news on the star wicketkeeper batter and looks forward to welcoming him with open hands ahead of the next season. He was quoted by Cricbuzz for saying the following: "When he is ready, what else do we want? We are happy."

Where will MS Dhoni bat in the batting order in IPL 2025?

As Dhoni now looks all set to feature in yet another IPL season, now the question arises around his position at the batting order. After stepping down from the captaincy duties last year, Dhoni was seen batting lower down the order. This was done as a precautionary measure to avoid further complications for him after a knee surgery operation. But the World Cup winning captain later clarified that this move was adopted to give yognsters more game time higher up the order in a bid to get them battle ready for the T20 World Cup.

Whether or not Dhoni will continue to bat at this order for the next season is something which remains to be seen. Dhoni has an illustrious IPL career spanning more than 264 matches with over 5243 runs. The former Indian skipper has been a loyal servant for the Chennai-based outfit since the inception of IPL in 2008. 

The anticipation for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season is reaching a crescendo as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), under the leadership of MS Dhoni, gear up to commence their campaign against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 22. As the defending champions, CSK carries the weight of expectations and the emotional support of millions of fans worldwide.

The clash against RCB marks the beginning of CSK’s quest for another title and sets the stage for an enthralling encounter between two formidable teams. With the memories of their triumph from the previous season still fresh, CSK enters the arena with confidence and determination.

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CSK’s IPL Legacy

CSK’s journey in the IPL has been spectacular, epitomized by their five title triumphs. They stand shoulder to shoulder with the Mumbai Indians regarding championship victories, holding ten trophies between them. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) stands as the only other franchise to have clinched the IPL title twice, showcasing the dominance of CSK and MI in the tournament’s history.

MS Dhoni’s Leadership

At the helm of CSK stands the enigmatic MS Dhoni, whose leadership prowess has shaped the team’s success. Dhoni defies age and expectations despite speculations surrounding his retirement, often surprising fans with his resilience and strategic insight.

CSK faces an early setback with the absence of Devon Conway for the initial matches of the season. Conway’s sidelining due to a thumb injury, sustained during the Test series against Australia, deprives the team of his batting prowess and strategic contributions. His return is eagerly anticipated, albeit delayed until May.

CSK’s New Signings

To bolster their squad for IPL 2024, CSK made significant acquisitions during the bidding process. Including talents like Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Shardul Thakur, and Sameer Rizvi inject fresh energy and depth into the team. With a well-rounded lineup and a plethora of all-rounders, CSK appears poised to tackle any challenge that comes their way.

Probable Playing XI for CSK

As CSK prepares to take the field, speculation abounds regarding their probable playing XI for the opening encounter. With a wealth of talent, including seasoned veterans and promising youngsters, Dhoni and the team management face the enviable task of finalizing the lineup that best complements their strategy and objectives.

CSK IPL 2024 probable playing XI

1. Rachin Ravindra

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad

3. Ajinkya Rahane

4. Shivam Dube

5. Moeen Ali / Daryl Mitchell

6. Ravindra Jadeja

7. MS Dhoni (C/ WK)

8. Mitchell Santner

9. Shardul Thakur

10. Deepak Chahar

11. Matheesha Pathirana/ Mustafizur Rahman

Impact Sub – Tushar Deshpande

CSK IPL 2024 SQUAD COMPOSITION

Wicketkeepers: MS Dhoni, Devon Conway (NZ), Avanish Rao Aravelly.

Batters: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shaik Rasheed, Ajinkya Rahane, Sameer Rizvi.

All-rounders: Moeen Ali (ENG), Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner (NZ), Ajay Mandal, Nishant Sindhu, Rachin Ravindra (NZ), Daryl Mitchell (NZ), Shardul Thakur.

Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana (SL), Simarjeet Singh, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana (SL), Mustafizur Rahman (BAN), Mukesh Choudhary.

CSK players bought at IPL 2024 auction: Rachin Ravindra (Rs. 1.8 crore), Shardul Thakur (Rs. 4 crore), Daryl Mitchell (Rs. 14 crore), Sameer Rizvi (Rs. 8.40 crore), Mustafizur Rahman (Rs. 2 crore), Avanish Rao Aravelly (Rs. 20 lakh).