In a recent development, Suresh Raina asserted that MS Dhoni had little to no influence over player retention and IPL 2025 auctions. Former CSK player Raina has asserted that although Dhoni is a key member of the five-time champions, he has very little influence over player retention or auction purchases, and the discussions are merely theoretical.
According to the Southpaw, the core group of CSK’s administration makes decisions for the team not just in 2025 but also in 2008, when they played their first season. If Dhoni had the ability to pursue the players in the auctions or keep them, the four-time IPL champion believed he would not choose a team similar to the one CSK now possesses.
“They usually claim that MS Dhoni has the last say. However, I must admit that I never went to any of the auctions. I never participated in those conversations. I was continuously discussing the players who were kept on. While speaking on Star Sports, Raina stated, “MS might get a call about whether to go ahead with a player or not – but he’s not that involved.”
There will undoubtedly be a meeting today: Suresh Raina
“As you can understand, Dhoni cannot have this kind of auction; it is handled by the core group. He might list four or five players that he desires, and some of them would be kept. Look at MS Dhoni—a 43-year-old skipper who still gives it his all—even if an uncapped player is putting in a lot of effort,” he continued.
CSK suffered their first-ever home loss to SRH in the history of the league, as well as their fourth straight loss of the current campaign. After losing the toss to SRH, the former cricket player turned broadcaster noticed a change in the CSK captain’s gesture. He believed that such a behaviour would indicate that Dhoni is meeting with the other members of the team to discuss their dismal season.
“MS Dhoni won’t want everyone near him, therefore I guess he’ll sit down now. He must have decided on something. It’s obvious that there will be a meeting today based on the manner he walked after the toss, after they lost, and the fact that they were both standing there,” the former cricket player said.
India
