MS Dhoni discusses fans' speculation on IPL 2025 retentions and the uncertainty of the future

New Delhi: While the entire nation is abuzz with discussions about IPL retentions, player transfers, and the upcoming auctions, Thala, the former Indian captain, seems unfazed. Addressing the audience at the RIGI Prabhav 2024 event, he remarked, "It seems like everyone has become a team owner nowadays."

“Whatever player they desire, whichever player is going up for auction and whoever they decide to purchase, we should be prepared for it. IPL auction works in mysterious ways.,” Dhoni said.

The former CSK captain reflected on fans’ predictions for IPL retentions as well.

“People enter the auction, and there’s the uncertainty of where you’ll end up. The most delightful aspect comes from the fans. They are the ones who make predictions on which team a certain player will end up with. Look, you find yourself in a market where all teams are well-funded,” Dhoni explained.

“Whoever acquires you, you will need to perform for them. That certainly is the beauty of the IPL auction. It’s not simply a trade; rather, it involves one player being moved to another franchise. You have the freedom to go wherever you desire,” Dhoni added.

Chennai Super Kings star Suresh Raina recently reunited with his former captain MS Dhoni ahead of the IPL 2025 retention deadline on October 31. The pair, who built a remarkable legacy together at CSK with four IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021), share a deep bond both on and off the field. Raina, a retired IPL player since 2022, ranks among the league’s top run-scorers with 5,528 runs across 205 matches, including a century and 39 fifties. Beyond IPL success, he was instrumental in India’s victories under Dhoni’s leadership, including the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy.

There were various rumours about IPL retention have been circulating around, about almost every team and big-ticket player. According to reports India’s wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul might not be retained by the Lucknow Super Giants and might be snapped up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore as captain.