Raina hopes for Dhoni's return in IPL 2025 amid retirement

Former cricketer Suresh Raina has expressed his desire to see MS Dhoni continue playing for Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming IPL 2025 season. After leading CSK to victory in the 2023 edition, where they triumphed over Gujarat Titans in a last-ball thriller, Dhoni had hinted at extending his career for one more season. However, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter left the final decision open, depending on how his body would hold up.

“I want MS Dhoni to play in IPL 2025..."

With the 2025 season approaching, the 43-year-old Dhoni has remained tight-lipped about his future. Speculation is rife, with media reports suggesting that Dhoni is waiting for clarity from the BCCI regarding the retention and Right to Match (RTM) policies, which are expected to be announced in early September. Only after these details are finalized will Dhoni make a call on whether he will return for another IPL campaign.

“I want MS Dhoni to play in IPL 2025, considering how he batted last year. I feel Ruturaj Gaikwad needs one more year, the way he captained and a lot of things were said after the loss to RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru). However, Ruturaj has done a great job,” Raina told SportsTak.

Raina's support for Dhoni's leadership and role in CSK

Despite the uncertainty, Suresh Raina is hopeful that Dhoni will continue to lead CSK. Reflecting on Dhoni’s incredible performance in the previous edition, Raina emphasized the value Dhoni brings to the team, particularly his ability to guide young players like Ruturaj Gaikwad.

During the 2024 IPL season, Dhoni showcased flashes of his brilliance, batting in 11 innings and amassing 161 runs at an astounding strike rate of 220.54. Although CSK missed out on the playoffs that year, Dhoni’s influence on the team remained undeniable.

Raina, meanwhile, is preparing to feature in the upcoming Legends League Cricket tournament, where he will reunite with former teammates like Dinesh Karthik and Shikhar Dhawan. The tournament is set to kick off on September 20, with matches scheduled across various cities, including Jodhpur, Surat, Jammu, and Srinagar.

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As Dhoni’s fans and teammates alike await his decision, Raina’s call for his return adds to the anticipation for IPL 2025, where Dhoni's iconic presence may once again grace the cricketing stage.