Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been retained as an uncapped player by CSK ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auctions. This news has not only brought relief to his admirers but also raised questions about how Dhoni plans to tackle his fitness concerns and CSK to its sixth title amid increasing challenges.
Dhoni Retained as an Uncapped Player
For someone who has retired from international cricket, Dhoni’s influence in the cricketing world is far from waning. His consistent presence in the IPL continues to make headlines, especially amidst rumors of retirement.
CSK’s decision to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player demonstrates their faith in his leadership and strategic acumen. The move also reflects a balance between loyalty to a legend and optimizing player funds for the auction. CSK retained Dhoni for INR 4 crore, which ensures their talisman remains within the squad. Additionally, they strategically saved resources for auction purchases, bolstering their chances for IPL 2025 success.
Dhoni’s Current Fitness Update
In 2024, Dhoni faced challenges stemming from persistent knee issues, limiting his field mobility. These limitations forced him to adjust his game significantly, which is why he predominantly batted lower down the order.
Recently, Dhoni has admitted to being less fit than during his peak years but has employed tailored efforts to stay competitive. “I focus a lot on my diet and specific exercises,” Dhoni revealed in a recent interview.
“I am not fit as I used to be, lot of efforts now needs to be there on what you are eating and I am doing very specific thing to be fit for cricket. We are not fast bowlers so our requirements are not that intense,” said Dhoni on Eurogrips Tyres YouTube channel.
Surprisingly, Dhoni’s fitness routine isn’t restricted to gym workouts. He includes a mix of tennis, football, and badminton, which he says keeps him physically and mentally engaged.
“What really helps me is playing a lot of sports in between eating and going to the gym. So whenever I get time I like to play a lot of different sports, may be tennis, badminton, football, that keeps me engaged. That’s the best way of being in touch with fitness,” he added.
Dhoni’s role as a finisher shined in IPL 2024 when his strike rate consistently hovered around the 200-mark. However, he played fewer deliveries, prompting analysts to debate whether he could still thrive as a top-order batter. Fans are eager to see Dhoni’s position in the batting lineup for IPL 2025. His cricketing smarts may lead to a mix of captaincy mentorship and focused appearances with the bat, crafting clutch moments.
CSK’s IPL 2024 Performance Recap
Last season, CSK struggled to maintain their dominance, failing to qualify for the playoffs under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership. The young skipper Gaikwad showed flashes of brilliance, but the transition was challenging. Dhoni’s mentorship will undoubtedly help the new leader learn to thrive under pressure.
CSK used their Right-to-Match (RTM) card to bring back Ravindra Jadeja and secured Kiwi sensation Rachin Ravindra. The combination of experienced heads and rising stars adds depth to their squad. The path to a sixth title won’t be easy. Competitors have grown stronger, but CSK’s balance of youthful energy and seasoned expertise could tilt the scales in their favor.
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