Former Chennai Super Kings players Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu have confirmed that MS Dhoni will still be available for IPL 2025. Rayudu claimed that Dhoni has been batting well and looks fit to play for another year.
There has been speculation about MS Dhoni’s retirement ahead of the 2025 IPL season. MS Dhoni is 43 years old and has been facing fitness issues for the last two seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
MS Dhoni handed over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the start of the last IPL season, leading to speculations about his retirement after IPL 2024. However, he is still there and fit to play in the upcoming season.
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Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu confirm MS Dhoni’s participation in IPL 2025
During a chat with Sports Yaari, Suresh Raina was asked about Dhoni’s availability for the upcoming IPL season. Raina replied that Dhoni will play the upcoming IPL season.
“He will definitely play. Kyu piche pade ho aap (Why are you chasing him so much? Don’t you want to see him play? Let him play),” Raina replied to the reporter’s question.
Suresh Raina was a vital cog in the CSK machinery for a long time. He was associated with the franchise from the very beginning and also played a key role in their several IPL wins. Given his great record in the IPL, Raina was also given the nickname of ‘Mr. IPL’.
Ambati Rayudu Suresh Raina confirms that MS Dhoni will return for IPL 2025: Sports Yaari Exclusive#SuraShraina #ambatirayudu #dhoni image.twitter.com/JFelYZESHW
– Yaari Sports (@YaariSports) September 17, 2024
Meanwhile, former CSK player Ambati Rayudu was also asked the same question. Rayudu feels that Dhoni’s form in the last one year suggests that he will play next season as well.
“I have no idea, but the way he batted last year, he should play this year as well. The kind of shots he is getting and the way he is batting, I think he should play one more year,” Rayudu opined.
Ambati Rayudu on her participation in the Cricket Legends League 2024
Ambati Rayudu will be on the cricket field for a few days for the Legends League Cricket 2024. She also spoke about the excitement of being a part of the league and is looking forward to it.
“It’s a good feeling (to be back on the cricket field) because it’s a very competitive league. I have seen some good matches on TV in this league. I have also spoken to a lot of players. They have all spoken well of it and advised me to play here. It will be a great opportunity to compete,” Rayudu said.
Rayudu was also asked about the practice sessions ahead of the tournament, which he said are going well and the team has started coming together.
“I can’t talk about the team but individually we are training. Currently, we are meeting and Irfan (Pathan) has left for Jodhpur and he is our captain. The team is united and everyone is following their fitness routines and we are going into the tournament well prepared,” he added.
Ambati Rayudu will be playing for Konark Suryas Odisha in the Legends League Cricket 2024. It is a new team that was added to LLC this year and Irfan Pathan will be the captain of the team. Meanwhile, Suresh Raina will also be playing in the league for a newly branded team, Urbanrisers Hyderabad.
MS Dhoni is one of the greatest cricketers of all time. Dhoni is the most successful captain in the IPL along with Rohit Sharma, with five titles. The batsman-wicketkeeper has been in tremendous form in the last few years in the IPL.