Finally, there is good news for MS Dhoni fans as the veteran has expressed his desire to play in the Indian Premier League in the upcoming season. It is great news for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who were eagerly waiting for Dhoni’s decision.
While Dhoni will be retained as an unrestricted player this time, the franchise can also register Rishabh Pant in the upcoming mega auction IPL 2025. It will be a big moment for CSK if they manage to bag Pant in the auction.
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Will Rishabh Pant play for CSK?
According to a report in The Indian Express, Chennai Super Kings have been keeping an eye on Rishabh Pant ahead of the mega auction. If Delhi Capitals do not keep Pant in their retention list, CSK are likely to make a high offer for the star wicketkeeper-batsman.
Pant was on CSK’s wish list for a long time. Since Dhoni is not expected to play much now, the franchise is considering some big changes in their team, which also included bringing Rishabh Pant into the mix keeping the future in mind.
Pant could be a great addition to the CSK team as the franchise is looking for a solid sustaining option after MS Dhoni. Pant is currently India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in international cricket and can be a perfect replacement for Dhoni.
Rishabh Pant’s record in IPL
Rishabh Pant has been associated with Delhi Capitals since his IPL debut in 2016. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman has played 11 IPL games in which he scored 3,284 runs at an average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 148.93.
Pant has played a no. of key knocks for Delhi Capitals and is currently the captain of the franchise as well. So far, he has crossed one hundred and eighteen fifties in his IPL career.
Will Delhi Capitals leave Rishabh Pant?
A change in the management of Delhi Capitals might not allow Pant to remain with the franchise. As per the agreement, the Delhi Capitals men’s team will now be managed by the GMR group instead of the JSW group, which used to run as a team earlier.
The previous management was convinced of Pant’s retention but the new management is yet to finalize it and may not retain him as captain.
Since Dhoni has confirmed his availability, Pant’s inclusion can make him a blockbuster pairing in the upcoming IPL season. Pant has previously said that he learned a thing or two from Dhoni in the past and this time it could be a big learning curve for India’s star goalkeeper.
While Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to remain as captain, Pant’s inclusion in the middle order will boost CSK’s batting. The franchise is looking forward to his arrival and will give everything to sign him.
Chennai Super Kings are the joint most successful team in IPL history along with Mumbai Indians with five IPL titles to their name. They last won an IPL trophy in 2023, but had a disappointing season in 2024.