Imagine MS Dhoni’s name going under the IPL hammer in 2025. Sounds impossible, but still builds curiosity, as there are a few teams that desperately need the brain of MSD.
You can’t imagine separating a lock and key, just as it’s hard to envision the Chennai Super Kings without MS Dhoni. Since 2008, Dhoni has been synonymous with this franchise, creating countless memories and securing five trophies. He has given everything to CSK. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that we might not see him in the yellow jersey in the coming years.
As we look ahead to IPL 2025, there is already speculation about whether he will continue. Reports suggest that CSK has requested the BCCI to allow more than four retentions or to label MS Dhoni as an uncapped player in a recent meeting so that they can get the dhoni services.. Despite these efforts, it seems likely that he may not play after IPL 2025.
That said, if we entertain the hypothetical scenario where MS Dhoni enters the IPL auction, even at the age of 43 with several knee injuries and limited participation, which teams might break the bank to acquire him?
How intriguing and unique this scenario is! Let’s take a look at three teams that might break their purse limits to acquire MS Dhoni.
Teams that could buy MS Dhoni if he goes into the IPL auction
RCB
With 380 dismissals as wicketkeeper, a career spanning 264 matches, and 5,178 runs, what more could RCB demand. if MS Dhoni ever goes to the IPL auction? RCB would surely bid big on this key player, and why not? A team desperate for one IPL trophy couldn’t find a better master, with five titles already in his bank. RCB, known for its inconsistent batting order, often crumbles under pressure.
Dhoni could be the one to solve this issue, coming down the order and chipping in with crucial runs. Everyone is well aware of his capabilities, especially after IPL 2024, where he outperformed many bowlers. Though he scored just 161 runs in 14 games, he did so with a mammoth strike rate of 220.55.
Also, MS is known as the bowler’s mentor, always ready to guide young bowlers. RCB desperately needs quality bowlers, especially after releasing Yuzvendra Chahal and Harshal Patel. The team has been struggling without them, and there’s no doubt that Dhoni could help get their bowlers back in line. And when it comes to wicketkeeping, with no Dinesh Karthik now, who can keep better than this maestro?
LSG
News suggests that LSG might release their captain, KL Rahul, which would mean losing both a key batter and a wicketkeeper. This could pose or say will pose strong challenges for the team, something they would prefer to avoid. In this scenario, LSG might consider breaking the bank to bring MS Dhoni into their squad. Given LSG’s current turmoil, there’s no better person than MS Dhoni to handle such situations, as we’ve seen how the relationship between KL Rahul and LSG’s owners has soured.If MS Dhoni were part of the team, perhaps the situation could have been managed better.
Looking ahead to IPL 2025, there’s no doubt that LSG couldn’t find a better tactical mind than MS Dhoni. If he enters the IPL auction, LSG would likely make a strong bid for him, aiming to secure his services for wicketkeeping, explosive batting, and potentially as a skipper, at least for one season.
GT
The Gujarat Titans started off well, but now it seems they’re struggling to maintain their momentum. This became evident in IPL 2024 when they finished eighth with five wins and seven losses. After leading the team to a title, Hardik Pandya left to join Mumbai, leaving behind a well-settled team. Under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, the team couldn’t achieve the desired results. Although Shubman Gill has his merits, if GT is looking for someone to guide the youngsters and players while also contributing for a year or two, there’s no better option than MS Dhoni.
While he might not captain the team, he could certainly serve as a mentor to Shubman Gill. Also, with Wriddhiman Saha and Matthew Wade potentially not returning, they could rely on MSD’s wicketkeeping skills and his ability to contribute with the bat lower down the order.
Editors pick
