Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The five-time champions and one of the most successful teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been having a torrid season this time around. The Yellow Army are currently reeling at the bottom most spot in the IPL 2025 points table with only two wins from nine games and are close to getting eliminated from the ongoing edition.
However, the side had a decent start, as they defeated Mumbai Indians in their opening game under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy, a few injuries and uncertanities in the camp along with dismal performances with bat and ball, completely changed their fourtunes. However, with MS Dhoni returning at helm for the side after an elbow injury ruled out their regular skipper, there was some hope, but they continued to register defeats.
I hope that next season, they (CSK) come with better planning: Suresh Raina
Seeing their performances in IPL 2025, several former cricketers triggered a debate around their auction strategy, whereas some highlighted if the franchise was undergoing possible major reshuffle, keeping their attention to the next edition. Amidst this, MS Dhoni’s future with the side has remain a key topic, his former teammate, Suresh Raina has finally opened on the legend’s future. Speaking with sports presenter Jatin Sapru on YouTube channel, Raina confirmed that Dhoni will play one more season as CSK will hope to come with a better planning.
"I hope that next season, they (CSK) come with better planning. And Dhoni is going to play for one more season, for sure," Raina said. "They always say MS Dhoni makes the final call. But to be very honest, I never attended any of the auctions. I was never a part of those discussions. I always talked about the players who were retained. MS might get a call about whether to go ahead with a player or not - but he's not that involved," he continued while assessing CSK’s mega auction.
The former CSK legend further went on to say, adding, "The core group handles the auction - you can imagine, Dhoni can't have this type of auction. He would maybe name four or five players he wants, and out of them, a few would be retained. Even if an uncapped player is working hard, look at MS Dhoni--being a 43-year-old captain, still giving everything."
Speaking of Dhoni, in the nine matches, the 43-year-old has amassed 140 runs at an average of 28.00 and a strike rate of 142.85. Although, he has remained not out on four of these occasions this year, he has registered his highest score of 30*, which came against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
