Suresh Raina's Warning to CSK: Reflecting on Loss to RCB in IPL 2024 and addressing MS Dhoni's Future

With IPL 2025 just around the corner, rumors are swirling about the fate of some of the league's top stars. The player retention policy is set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming mega auction, with all eyes on the legendary former captain of Chennai Super Kings, MS Dhoni. Speculation is rife about whether the new retention rules will see Dhoni donning the yellow jersey for yet another season. The cricketing world is eagerly awaiting to see if the iconic cricketer will continue to grace the field or hang up his boots.

In the midst of these speculations, former CSK star Suresh Raina, who played a large part of his IPL career playing under Dhoni, has voiced his opinion, advocating for Dhoni to continue playing for the franchise at least through the next season.

Raina’s suggestion stems from Dhoni’s impressive performance in IPL 2024, where his strong batting cameos remained a key asset for the team. Moreover, Raina believes that Ruturaj Gaikwad, who took over the captaincy from Dhoni, still needs more time to fully grow into the leadership role and guide the iconic franchise.

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

Raina was referring to the 68th game of the league stage in the 2024 season, where both RCB and CSK faced a must-win situation to proceed to the playoffs. The equation was tilted in favour of the Super Kings, as the Royal Challengers required further technicalities (win margins) to go their way to qualify; however, Faf du Plessis' men defied odds to defeat CSK, thus entering the playoffs.

Under Dhoni’s captaincy, the Super Kings enjoyed a supreme run, clinching five IPL titles – the joint-most in the league’s history. Dhoni’s decision to step down earlier this year paved the way for Gaikwad’s appointment, a move that marked the beginning of a new era for CSK.

However, the team faced challenges in 2024, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot by finishing fifth. As discussions continue about the upcoming season, the possibility of Dhoni’s return as a player could be a game-changing factor for CSK’s fortunes in IPL 2025.

Dhoni on his future

In an event, MS Dhoni was asked about his IPL future but remained tight-lipped. It was reported that CSK had urged the IPL governing council to bring back the rule which allows retired players with over 5 years of gap in their last international appearance to be considered uncapped. However, CSK's CEO, Kasi Viswanath, denied making such a request.

“There is a lot of time for it (to decide on IPL future),” Dhoni had said last month.

“We have to see what decision they take on player retention etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court. So, once the rules and regulations get formalised, I will take a call, but it needs to be in the best interest of the team.”

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