Error del CSK a evitar en IPL 2025: MS Dhoni debe ser un jugador de impacto

43-year-old MS Dhoni has been retained by Chennai Super Kings as an uncapped player ahead of IPL auction. While this might be right choice for CSK given that MSD is the face of the franchise, it certainly does not warrant for his permanent place in the playing XI. Apart from the ex-CSK skipper’s age, CSK will have a lot of options to pick up other wicketkeepers in the auction and should be wise about making their choice. With that being said, it is time CSK look beyond MS Dhoni.

Why MS Dhoni needs to strictly be an impact player in IPL 2025

It is no mystery that the uncapped player rule that was introduced by the BCCI before IPL 2025 auction favours MS Dhoni the most. The ex-CSK skipper, who led the team to five trophies, has chosen to extend his career. But is that a pro or a con for CSK? That is a very serious question that needs to be answered.

There are no doubts about MS Dhoni’s batting capabilities. He has displayed his destructive capabilities in IPL 2024, turning back the clock to delight fans with his finishes. However, one mustn’t forget that MSD underwent a knee surgery right after IPL 2024. Not to forget, he literally played the season with his knee bandaged. Now, CSK can use MS Dhoni as an impact player to ensure that they gain the most in the death overs. Known to be a destructive finisher, there is hardly anyone in the business who could be better than Dhoni.

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But what about a permanent keeper for CSK? The team has no reserve keeper going into IPL 2025 auction. There is one advantage for the team – which is the abundance of keepers who will go under the hammer in the auction. While KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are captain-cum-keeper materials, CSK can very well look at someone like Ishan Kishan, given that they have already begun grooming a future captain – Ruturaj Gaikwad. Dhoni’s expertise from behind the stumps, both in terms of helping young Gaikwad set the field and taking decisions related to DRS has helped the team, CSK is in desperate need for a long-term solution in terms of keeping. Gaikwad has become an experienced captain, having gone on to captain Maharashtra and India A, apart from captaining a side in the Duleep Trophy. He certainly would need lesser of MSD’s help in IPL 2025, if not some at all. Besides, he also has someone like Ravindra Jadeja whom he can count on for help.

With 5243 runs from 264 games, MS Dhoni as a batter simply can’t be ignored from the playing XI. But he can be replaced as a keeper. And his place in the batting order is very well secured thanks to the impact player rule. CSK should rather focus on making the most of MSD as an impact player more than a full-time player, for they have better wicketkeeper options whom they could rope in from the auction. It is indeed food for thought for CSK. The question is, will they do so?