Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan has expressed optimism about Mahendra Singh Dhoni's potential return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025.
Despite Dhoni stepping down as captain before the current season, Viswanathan remains "very, very hopeful" that the former skipper will continue as a player.
Dhoni, who has led CSK to five IPL titles, passed the captaincy torch to Ruturaj Gaikwad, under whom the team finished fifth this season.
The cricketing world has been abuzz with speculation about Dhoni's future, with many believing this season might be his last.
However, Viswanathan emphasized that the final decision rests solely with Dhoni.
"I do not know. It is a question which only MS can answer," Viswanathan stated on CSK’s YouTube channel. "We have always respected the decisions taken by MS. We have left it to him. As all of you know, he has always taken his decisions and announced them at the appropriate time. We do expect that we will get a decision as and when he decides."
Dhoni, who underwent knee surgery last year, has had a commendable season, scoring 161 runs off 73 balls at a striking rate of 220.55 and performing admirably behind the stumps.
His form and fitness have fueled hopes among fans and management alike for his return next year.
Viswanathan underscored the anticipation among fans and the team’s management for Dhoni's return. "We are very, very hopeful that he will be available for CSK next year.
That is the view and expectations of the fans and mine," he added.
The upcoming mega IPL auction, scheduled for later this year, adds another layer of complexity.
If Dhoni decides to continue, CSK will undoubtedly retain him, although the specifics of player retentions are yet to be clarified.
Viswanathan mentioned that discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding retention policies are still pending.
"It is too early because we have still not heard from BCCI on the kind of retentions which are going to be part of the next cycle of auction," he said. "We are expecting that the BCCI would discuss with all franchise owners before they take a decision on retention."
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