IPL 2025 Retention: CSK Retains Their 'Lucky Mascot' MS Dhoni For Whopping Rs 8 Crore

Legendary Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni is set to play his 18th season in the Indian Premier League (IPL), CSK confirmed on Thursday, October 31.

Since early 2024, fans have been speculating eagerly whether Dhoni would make a comeback for another season.

Photo Credit: PTI

To their delight, their beloved 'Thala' will once again captivate fans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, affectionately known as 'Anbuden.'

Dhoni's return aligns with the reintroduction of the uncapped player rule by the IPL governing council for the upcoming season. Originally scrapped in 2021, this rule states that an Indian player with no international cricket appearances in the previous five years or without a BCCI Central Contract will be considered uncapped.

"A capped Indian player will become uncapped if, in the last five calendar years preceding the relevant Season, they have not played in the starting XI in International Cricket (Test, ODI, or T20 International) or do not hold a Central Contract with the BCCI. This will be applicable for Indian Players only," said IPL in a media release.

In accordance with this rule, CSK were able to retain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player for INR 4 Crore, thus reducing the burden on their auction budget of INR 20 Crore.

Dhoni has been with the 'yellow army' since the league's inception, leading CSK to a record-equalling five IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.

Alongside Dhoni, who takes home Rs 8 crore pay cut, CSK have retained Ruturaj Gaikwad for INR 18 Crore, Matheesha Pathirana for INR 13 Crore, Shivam Dube for INR 12 Crore, and Ravindra Jadeja for INR 18 Crore.