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Xtra Time Web Desk: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, recently shared insights into MS Dhoni's future in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Dhoni, who will be playing his 18th season with the franchise, was retained under the 'uncapped player' category for just INR 4 crore, ensuring that the beloved 'Thala' returns to lead CSK for another season.

Despite the excitement surrounding his return, it remains uncertain whether this will be Dhoni's final season or if he will continue beyond this year. Viswanathan revealed that Dhoni, known for his private nature, keeps his plans to himself. However, he also mentioned Dhoni's wish to play his last game in Chennai, and emphasized that CSK's doors will remain open for him as long as he wishes to continue playing.

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"As far as Mahi bhai (brother) is concerned, you know he keeps everything to himself. It comes out at the last moment only. Knowing the passion he has for CSK, and also knowing the following he has, and he also mentioned in one of the interviews that he'll play his last game in Chennai, we're hoping that he will continue as far as CSK is concerned. As long as MS wants to play, the doors are open. Knowing him, his commitment, and his dedication, I'm sure he'll always take the right decision," said Viswanathan during a discussion with Rayudu on Provoke TV.

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MS Dhoni’s return for another season with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was made possible by the re-introduction of the uncapped player rule for the upcoming IPL season. This rule, which was scrapped in 2021, allows a capped Indian player to become uncapped if they haven’t played international cricket in the last five years and do not have a BCCI Central Contract. As a result, Dhoni, despite his illustrious career, qualifies under this rule, enabling CSK to retain him for INR 4 crore.

In addition to Dhoni, CSK has also retained key players such as Ruturaj Gaikwad (INR 18 crore), Matheesha Pathirana (INR 13 crore), Shivam Dube (INR 12 crore), and Ravindra Jadeja (INR 18 crore). Following these five retentions, CSK has used INR 65 crore of their INR 120 crore purse, leaving them with INR 55 crore to build their squad further in the mega auction.