MS Dhoni will be the first retention pick for CSK: Harbhajan Singh opines

Harbhajan Singh urged Chennai Super Kings to prioritize retaining MS Dhoni for IPL 2025, pending Dhoni's decision. With Dhoni qualifying as an "uncapped" player under new rules, CSK could secure the icon at a reduced cost.

In Short

• Harbhajan hails Dhoni as CSK’s top retention priority
• Dhoni meets the “uncapped” player requirements for IPL retention
• CSK awaits Dhoni’s decision ahead of the October 31 deadline.

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has highlighted the importance of retaining MS Dhoni as Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) top priority pick for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, assuming Dhoni confirms his participation. As the IPL 2025 auction nears, anticipation builds around Dhoni’s potential return, as the former captain remains a fan favorite.

In a conversation with Star Sports, Harbhajan Singh stressed that CSK should waste no time in securing Dhoni, even under the IPL’s new “uncapped player” rule. According to the rule, players who retired from international cricket at least five years before the season or have not played internationally in the past five years qualify as uncapped. This rule, reinstated at the franchises’ request, would allow CSK to retain Dhoni at a significantly reduced price.

“I’m not certain if Dhoni will play or not, but if he’s available, he would certainly be the team’s first choice for retention, even if he is considered an uncapped player this season. Following him, the next pick would be Ravindra Jadeja, then Rachin Ravindra. As for the captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, he would also be a definite retention," Harbhajan said.

The former India spinner also shared his probable picks for the other players that CSK might want to retain for their 2025 season.

"We could also see Pathirana, who is an excellent bowler, kept in the squad. And if an uncapped player is retained, there could be a surprise choice, but it’s possible CSK will only retain five players. So in my view, the likely retentions -are Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Pathirana,” Harbhajan added.

With Dhoni’s international retirement dating back to August 15, 2020, and his last match being on July 10, 2019, he meets the requirements as an uncapped player. Consequently, CSK can retain him for INR 4 crore—a fraction of their INR 120 crore budget—leaving room to strengthen other areas of the team.

The 43-year-old legend had an unceremonious exit last season as CSK missed the playoffs after a loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their final league game. Despite the setback, his presence remains a cornerstone of CSK’s identity. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan recently confirmed that Dhoni has yet to decide on his participation, with a final decision expected by the retentions deadline on October 31.

If Dhoni returns, his leadership and strategic insight could be pivotal in guiding CSK toward a resurgence. Harbhajan’s endorsement underscores the value Dhoni brings to the team, both as a tactical mastermind and an icon whose fan following transcends the sport.