Mahendra Singh Dhoni is an asset to the Chennai Super Kings just as he was for Indian cricket. The doubt that the fans can see him play for the 2025 IPL season is yet to be disclosed. However, Suresh Raina, Thala’s close friend and teammate is wistful about Dhoni’s return. Raina thinks Ruturaj Gaikwad might need another season to ace his captaincy skills. 

The events of IPL season 2024, left the fans in uncertainty about Thala’s return. In an interview with 'Sports Tak' Raina opened up about this doubt and also voiced his concern. 

Raina said "I want MS Dhoni to play in IPL 2025, considering how he batted last year. I feel Ruturaj Gaikwad needs one more year, the way he captained and a lot of things were said after the loss to RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)”. He also praised Gaikwad for his game. 

Raina announced his retirement from Cricket in 2020 after Dhoni, however, the former Indian captain continued to play in the IPL. 

Dhoni might announce his decision after IPL’s players’ auction and the rules on player retention are disclosed as he in a talk earlier said that - “We have to see what decision they take on player retention, etc... So once the rules and regulations get formalised, I will take a call, but it needs to be in the best interest of the team (CSK),”