As all 10 franchises gear up to lock horns in the upcoming mega auction in Riyadh later this month, most of their quest will be centered around looking for a new captain. The Indian wicketkeepers featuring the likes of Rishab Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer will also be in contention in this year’s mega auction race. 

As many as four IPL franchises have released their respective captains ahead of the grand Riyadh auction. Faf has been released by RCB, KL Rahul released by LSG, Pant released by DC, and Iyer released by the defending champions KKR to name a few. With sweeping changes expected across the horizon, we highlight some common problems the franchises are expected to encounter in this forthcoming auction. 

Common headaches for all franchises ahead of the IPL auction

As we have now learnt, teams have expressed their desire to let go of their captains. The exit of the past skippers will undoubtedly leave a power vacuum. KKR, RCB, LSG, and DC will be without their former captains who performed remarkably well for them over the years. The gap can also result in decreased performance and impact on the field as well as off-the-field relationships between the players and the coaching staff. In other words, with new talent onboard, success may not always be guaranteed as the players and the management need to starch from scratch while forging new relations. 

Besides, the departure of other veteran players like Pant or Iyer can leave the team vulnerable on the biggest of stages. Iyer, who was the winning captain of KRR last year comes with a lot of experience and the franchise could have certainly benefitted from him once again in the next season. However, the arrival of a fresh captain can potentially change the dynamics and the composure of the KKR team for the worse. 

While some teams are on the lookout for fresh talent to lead their side, others are also gearing up to find match-winners in the form of wicket-keepers such as Rishab Pant and KL Rahul.  The franchises will have a lot of tough decisions to make as we fast approach the mega auction so don't be surprised if they make any move out of the ordinary.  

Five-time IPL champions, the joint record holder, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have revealed their retained players before the mega auction.

Chennai Super Kings are among the most consistent teams in the tournament history. Apart from winning the IPL trophies in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023, they also finished as runners-up five more times (2008, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2019). 

CSK failed to finish in the top four only three times, including the last IPL season (2024), where they just missed out on the playoff qualification after finishing in the fifth position. 

CSK also won two now-defunct Champions League T20 in the 2010 and 2014 editions.  

After winning the IPL 2023, MS Dhoni stepped down from the leadership role, under whom the team achieved all seven trophies’ successes (five IPL trophies and two Champions League T20 trophies). Ruturaj Gaikwad led the CSK team in the IPL 2024. 

Chennai Super Kings player retention

CSK retained five players for the IPL 2025 by spending 65 crore. They retained four capped players and one uncapped player. For the uncapped player, they used the concept of a player missing international cricket for five years. Meanwhile, they have the INR 55 crore remaining purse for the IPL 2025 mega auction. 

(Capped)

Ruturaj Gaikwad (Indian): INR 18 Crore

Ravindra Jadeja (Indian): INR 18 Crore

Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lankan): INR 13 Crore

Shivam Dube (Indian): INR 12 Crore

(Uncapped)

MS Dhoni (Indian): INR 4 Crore

Right-to-Match (RTM) card availability for the mega auction

1 capped player or 1 uncapped player

Veteran India and CSK player MS Dhoni feels that his fans have helped the viral meme 'Thala for a reason' to be in his favour. However, the trend started around December 2023, sparked by fans’ playful banter showing MS Dhoni’s strong association with the number seven as well.

Moreover, Dhoni was also born on the 7th of the month, which fueled the excitement. However, this soon went viral, flooding the internet with memes and keeping the trend continuing so far as well. Even prominent figures and IPL franchises joined in, sharing their views on the wave of “Thala for a reason” posts across social media as well.

MS Dhoni confirms his participation in IPL 2025

Speaking at an event organised by RIGI, Dhoni said that he knew the meme but didn't know the reason behind it. He also said his brilliant fans have turned things in his favour with the meme as well. Dhoni also said that for now his supporters are allowing him to keep quiet and enjoy his life and cricket as well.

"I know about it. But I don't know the reason behind it. I don't know if it is funny, if it is supposed to pull my leg, it's a banter, it's a meme. I think my fans have turned it into something that's in my favour. I have got brilliant fans. I don't need to open my mouth or say something. If they feel somebody has been nasty to me, they take care of it. So I am keeping quiet, enjoying my life and trying to play good cricket. And that's what it is for me," said Dhoni.

SEE ALSO: Watch: Rohit Sharma's Playful 'Rohit Bhai RCB Me Aa Jao Yaar' Query Goes Viral

However, Dhoni, at the same event, nearly confirmed his participation in the IPL 2025 season as he said that he wants to enjoy the last couple of years in the game.

pic.twitter.com/1DOPoIxPFF

— ! (@DhoniVids) October 25, 2024

"I've kept it very simple" - MS Dhoni on his diet

"I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play. In our childhood, we used to go out to play at 4pm and enjoy the game. But when you play professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy cricket, just like a game. It's not easy. The emotions are there, commitments are there. I want to enjoy the game for the next few years," MS Dhoni stated. 

He also opened up on his diet plans as well.

"I've kept it very simple. I'll train for 15, 20, 25 days and then take off for 15-20 days, so it really helps me be in the groove. I can enjoy the food that I want to eat. Once I start training, I follow a good diet, I won't say an excellent diet. That's what keeps me busy," he concluded.

Every IPL team is eagerly waiting for the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision on the IPL 2025 retention and mega auction date. There is no doubt that everyone is waiting to hear the news of MS Dhoni’s IPL future. 

MS Dhoni is a legend of the IPL and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Under his leadership, CSK won five IPL trophies and two now-defunct Champions League T20 trophies. The CSK fans can’t think of a CSK team without MS Dhoni.

The record-holder of the most IPL captaincies (226 matches), Dhoni, is also the only captain with 100 IPL wins as a captain (133 wins). 

SEE ALSO: Hardik Pandya eyeing to return Test cricket: Report

MS Dhoni stepped down from the captaincy role before the IPL 2024

Before the IPL 2024, Dhoni stepped down from the captaincy role of CSK as Ruturaj Gaikwad took the leadership role of the new generation of CSK.  

After the IPL 2024, there is no official news of Dhoni’s IPL future. Meanwhile, CSk fans are eagerly waiting to see the legend in the yellow jersey again. Dhoni is the second leading run-scorer for CSK as the right-handed batter has scored 5118 runs in 258 matches with an average of 39.06 and a strike rate of 139.45. He has hit 23 half-centuries for CSK. 

MS Dhoni can be retained in the lowest bid category

According to a recent RevSportzGlobal report, if the BCCI allows the franchises to retain a maximum of five players before the IPL 2025 mega auction, CSK can retain Dhoni in the lowest bid category as per a mutual agreement. 

The BCCI is likely to host the IPL 2025 mega auction in December outside India. The upcoming mega auction can also experience the return of Right to Match (RTM), which has mixed reactions. 

On the other hand, we can also experience the reintroduction of considering uncapped players who retired from international cricket for at least five years. If it returns, it will be helpful for CSK to retain Dhoni in this category. While CSK spent INR 12 crore to retain Dhoni for the IPL 2022, the franchise could previously retain an uncapped player only for INR 4 crore. 

Star player Rachin Ravindra played in his maiden season in IPL for five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and he shared the dressing room with the legendary MS Dhoni. In his maiden season for CSK, he scored 222 runs from the 10 matches with a highest score of 61 at a strike rate of 160.87 as well.

Rachin Ravindra had a good season for CSK

Even though defending champions CSK failed to reach the playoffs this time, playing in the cash-rich league was a memorable experience for Ravindra. In a viral video, Ravindra talks about being on the same team as Dhoni as well.

Ravindra said, “Yeah, it’s a pretty special feeling. I think a guy who’s achieved so much, to be able to share a field with him, not just on the field but the wisdom he gives us off it, is extremely valuable.”

ALSO READ: Zaheer Khan shares MS Dhoni’s plans after IPL 2024

Rachin Ravindra to play a key role for New Zealand in T20 World Cup

However, Rachin Ravindra’s parents are Indian and they migrated to New
Zealand from Bangalore in the 1990s and he was named Rachin after Indian cricket legends Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar as well.

On being told that the most asked question on Google for the talented all-rounder is ‘Is Rachin Ravindra an Indian’?, Ravindra said, “I actually didn’t know that. Funnily enough, I don’t really Google myself often. But, yeah, I guess, I’m Indian heritage but I guess I proudly sort of identify myself as a Kiwi, born and brought up there, but always loved coming to India. It’s people and food and everything is amazing.”

However, Rachin Ravindra will be playing for New Zealand in the T20 World Cup next month as well.

Veteran wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni is undoubtedly one of the greatest IPL captains and players of all time. With 5 IPL trophies under his name, MS Dhoni has led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for 16 long years before passing the reins to young Ruturaj Gaikwad.

MS Dhoni was in sublime form in the IPL 2024

However, he has announced his retirement from International cricket already but continued playing in IPL. But, over the past few IPL seasons, many have been predicting MS Dhoni’s retirement from the cricketing league. Meanwhile, the World Cup-winning captain works on his fitness and form and left everyone surprised with his form. Many believe that IPL 2024 will be the last for him and everyone expected an official announcement as well.

When everyone was watching the post-match ceremony waiting for an update on MS Dhoni, he left the ground without shaking hands with the RCB players and was spotted in Ranchi the next morning as well. Now, a report by the Times of India suggested that the legendary IPL player is not retiring soon as well.

ALSO READ: Zaheer Khan shares MS Dhoni’s plans after IPL 2024

CSK has a mixed season this year

A source has revealed that MS Dhoni has not told anybody in CSK management about his retirement. The source also shared that MS Dhoni has told the management that he will wait for a couple of months before taking the final call. To recall, MS Dhoni promised to play his last IPL game at Chepauk and his current form is giving hope to everyone that he will play another season.

The report also suggested that MS Dhoni may also wait to see BCCI’s stance on the impact of sub-rule in the league. The rule will also allow Dhoni to play as an extra batter in the last two overs where he won’t be required to run around the field too much. If the impact sub rule is not there, it will be difficult for him to have a spot in the team to play just a few balls in the final few overs.

However, CSK has a mixed season this year where they lost to RCB and failed to seal a place in the playoff as well.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a cricketing extravaganza and a platform where legendary cricketers showcase their skills. However, as time passes, cricketers inevitably face the prospect of bidding farewell to the field. The ongoing IPL tournament could be the last season of their career. In such a situation, if we talk about those 5 legendary players whose IPL 2024 could be the last IPL season, then their names are as follows-

1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (CSK)

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly known as ‘Captain Cool,’ has been a stalwart of Indian cricket and the IPL. However, at 42, Dhoni’s physical fitness has become a concern, exacerbated by recurring orthopedic issues. With speculation rife about his retirement, IPL 2024 could be the swansong for the former Chennai Super Kings captain. Under his leadership, CSK achieved enormous success in this league. CSK won the IPL title five times under his leadership. At the start of the season, Dhoni passed the baton of CSK leadership role to young batter Ruturaj Gaikwad.

See Also: Watch: Dhoni special for fans at Chepauk after beating Rajasthan

MS Dhoni entered the IPL fray in 2008, embarking on a journey that would cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in the tournament’s history. Over the years, Dhoni has graced the IPL stage with his exceptional batting prowess in 262 matches, amassing a staggering total of 5,218 runs.

With a remarkable batting average of 39.23, Dhoni has been a linchpin for his teams, often delivering match-winning performances. Among his many achievements in the IPL, Dhoni has registered an impressive tally of 24 half-centuries, with his highest individual score at an unbeaten 84 runs.

Dhoni’s ability to find the boundaries is evident from his impressive count of 360 fours and 251 sixes throughout his IPL career. His penchant for finishing matches in style has endeared him to cricket fans worldwide, earning him the moniker of ‘Captain Cool.’

2. Amit Mishra (LSG)

Amit Mishra, the seasoned leg-spinner representing Lucknow Super Giants, finds himself in a similar predicament as Dhoni. At 41 years old, Mishra’s playing opportunities and fitness concerns have dwindled. It’s unlikely that Mishra will feature prominently in future IPL seasons, making IPL 2024 a possible curtain call for the leg-spin maestro.

Amit Mishra made his IPL debut in 2008 and has been a prominent figure in the tournament. Throughout his 162-match career, Mishra has showcased his bowling prowess by claiming 174 wickets. With an impressive average of 23.84, Mishra has proven to be a formidable force in the IPL bowling lineup. He has maintained an economy rate of approximately 7.38 runs per over, demonstrating his ability to consistently contain batters while taking wickets.

Mishra’s best individual bowling performance in the IPL came with figures of 5/17, highlighting his match-winning capabilities with the ball. In the IPL Auction 2024, the Lucknow franchise secured Mishra’s services for Rs 50.00 Lac, recognizing his value as a seasoned spinner.

3. Wriddhiman Saha (GT)

Gujarat Titans wicket keeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha has had a distinguished career in Indian cricket. However, at 39 years old and with retirement from international cricket behind him, Saha’s IPL prospects seem bleak. His absence from domestic cricket further diminishes the likelihood of seeing him in the IPL beyond 2024.

Wriddhiman Saha entered the IPL arena in 2008, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in the tournament. Throughout his IPL career, which spans 170 matches, Saha has consistently performed with the bat, amassing 2,934 runs. His batting average is a respectable 24.25, reflecting his ability to contribute consistently to his team’s success.

Saha’s IPL portfolio boasts one century and 13 half-centuries, with his highest individual score being an unbeaten 115 runs. His knack for scoring boundaries is evident from the impressive tally of 296 fours and 87 sixes that he has accumulated over the years.

In the IPL Auction 2024, the Gujarat franchise secured Saha’s services for Rs 1.90 Cr, recognizing his worth as a reliable wicketkeeper-batsman.

4. Dinesh Karthik (RCB)

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s dependable wicketkeeper-batsman, Dinesh Karthik, may appear fit on the field, but at 38, age catches up with even the most seasoned players. As he approaches 40, Karthik’s future in the IPL remains uncertain, with teams possibly preferring younger talent over experienced campaigners.

Dinesh Karthik stepped into the IPL arena in 2008, marking the beginning of a prolific career in the tournament. Over the years, Karthik has showcased his batting prowess in 254 IPL matches, accumulating 4,817 runs. With an impressive batting average of 26.61, Karthik has established himself as a dependable middle-order batsman in the IPL circuit.

Throughout his IPL journey, Karthik has notched up an impressive tally of 22 half-centuries, with his highest individual score standing at an unbeaten 97 runs. His ability to find boundaries is evident from the 464 fours and 160 sixes he registered in his IPL career.

5. Ishant Sharma (DC)

Delhi Capitals’ experienced fast bowler, Ishant Sharma, faces the dual challenge of age and fitness concerns. At 35, Sharma’s pace bowling prowess may be on the wane, compounded by potential fitness issues. With the demands of T20 cricket and younger talents emerging, IPL 2024 could mark the end of Sharma’s IPL journey.

Ishant Sharma entered the IPL arena in 2008, marking the commencement of his journey in the tournament. Over the years, Sharma has participated in 108 IPL matches, showcasing his bowling prowess on various occasions. With 89 wickets to his name, Sharma has proven to be a valuable asset for his teams in the IPL.

Sharma’s bowling statistics include an average of 34.93, with an economy rate of approximately 8.21 runs per over. His best individual bowling figures stand at an impressive 5/12, reflecting his ability to deliver match-winning performances when called upon.

The 61st match of the IPL 2024 season will be played between Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, May 12, 2024. However, Rajasthan Royals won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Chennai Super Kings won six games so far and lost six as well. On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals won eight games so far and they lost three games as well. However, both teams will try to win the game and keep the momentum on. This is going to be an exciting match for both teams as well.

ALSO READ: Zaheer Khan shares MS Dhoni’s plans after IPL 2024

IPL 2024: CSK vs RR, Match 61: Who said what at the toss?

Ruturaj Gaikwad: Dew is not a factor, doesn’t matter if we bat or ball first. The pitch will remain the same throughout the game. In these conditions you need to prepare mentally. We spoke about the areas we need to improve. You need to be in a good head space and deliver what’s expected. We got the right balance, Rachin and I will open, Mitchell will bat at number 3. Theekshana comes in for Santner. Need to believe and back yourself. We want to win every game possible, you got to have the right mindset.

Sanju Samson: We would like to bat first. Looks like a decent wicket, don’t expect any dew. Change of conditions and weather, got time to adapt to it. Need to give it all in this game. Need to stick to what has worked for us. Need to do our basic processes, just taking care of the controllables. Need to perform as a batsman, results have to go your way to feel happy. Jurel is back.

Playing XIs:

Chennai Super Kings: Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (w), Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Simarjeet Singh, Maheesh Theekshana

Chennai Super Kings Impact Subs: Ajinkya Rahane, Sameer Rizvi, Prashant Solanki, Ajay Mandal, Mukesh Choudhary

Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (w/c), Riyan Parag, Shubham Dubey, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal

Rajasthan Royals Impact Subs: Rovman Powell, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Nandre Burger, Tanush Kotian, Keshav Maharaj

Chennai Super Kings suffered their sixth defeat of the season as Gujarat Titans bounced back with a 35-run victory in Ahmedabad. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan’s remarkable centuries propelled GT to a formidable total of 231/3, and the hosts successfully defended it by restricting CSK to 196/8, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

CSK’s chase began disastrously, losing their openers with just two runs on the board, including skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s early departure for a duck, leaving them reeling at 10/3. However, Daryl Mitchell and Moeen Ali staged a commendable fightback, forging a 109-run partnership to revive CSK’s hopes. But Mohit Sharma’s crucial breakthroughs halted their momentum, dismissing both set batsmen along with Shivam Dube. 

“We should end the debate around MS Dhoni’s batting position…” 

Rashid Khan further compounded CSK’s woes by claiming two vital wickets, leaving them in a precarious position.

“We should end the debate around MS Dhoni’s batting position. He knows what he wants to do. It’s his wish. But if you want to win the match, the form he is in, and the strike rate that he’s batting at… the other batters need to play at a similar level. It felt today that Mitchell and Ali couldn’t match Sudharsan and Gill. Someone has to score a 100. Or Jadeja and Dube had to score a 20-ball fifty to get close to the target,” Sehwag said.

“I don’t want to get into the debate. Wherever he bat, it’s fine. He played fine, entertained the public, who cares if they win or lose? He entertained public, that’s it,” Sehwag further said.

Performance does not lead to the result as CSK defeated by GT 

In a valiant effort, MS Dhoni showcased his batting prowess with three towering sixes in the final over, but it wasn’t enough to salvage the match for CSK. The debate over Dhoni’s batting position has been a topic of discussion throughout IPL 2024, especially after his appearance at no.9 in the previous match against Punjab Kings.

“Like just hitting sixes and fours, which he has done pretty well. And keep as well as some of the best in the competition if not the best in the competition. So don’t underestimate his influence on the team just because he comes in at No. 9. There’s a timing aspect, but we’re very wary of what he can give us. And we’ll max that out,” Fleming was quoted.

“But we don’t want to max that out where we lose him. So it’s a delicate balance, but trust me, his best interest is with us, and his interest [is] in performing well for us is still very high. To put the nation at ease – he’s okay,” he added.

See Also: Sourav Ganguly speaks about KL Rahul-Sanjiv Goenka controversy

Virender Sehwag weighed in on the debate, suggesting that CSK should reconsider Dhoni’s position given his current form. However, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming emphasized Dhoni’s significance to the team, highlighting their efforts to manage his workload and avoid unnecessary pressure. Despite the defeat, CSK remains confident in Dhoni’s ability to contribute effectively to the franchise.

The 59th match of the IPL 2024 season will be played between Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, May 10, 2024. However, Chennai Super Kings won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Gujarat Titans won four games so far and lost seven as well. On the other hand, CSK won six games so far and they lost five games as well. However, both teams will try to win the game and keep the momentum on. This is going to be an exciting match for both teams as well.

ALSO READ: Zaheer Khan shares MS Dhoni’s plans after IPL 2024

IPL 2024: GT vs CSK, Match 59: Who said what at the toss?

Shubman Gill: Would have bowled first as well, looks a good wicket. There’s 1 percent chance of qualifying, so we are going to try hard for that. The mood is like any other match, we as a team believe in doing the best we can. Will be a good surface to bat on. Will score runs and try to restrict them. Wade comes in for Saha who has a niggle. In order to get the team combination right, Kartik Tyagi makes his debut, he comes in for Joshua Little.

Ruturaj Gaikwad: We will bowl first. Looks a good wicket to be honest. It’s been a chasing ground, so we will look to chase. Pretty much similar to Chennai. We didn’t like the red soil wicket much. Pretty relaxed. You tend to lose many games in IPL, you got to back everyone and make sure everyone is in a good head space. We had injuries in between, but happy now. Rachin Ravindra comes in for Gleeson.

Playing XIs:

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (w), Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Simarjeet Singh

Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, David Miller, Matthew Wade (w), Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Kartik Tyagi

Gujarat Titans Impact Subs: Abhinav Manohar, Sandeep Warrier, BR Sharath, Darshan Nalkande, Jayant Yadav

Chennai Super Kings Impact Subs: Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Aravelly Avanish, Sameer Rizvi, Mukesh Choudhary