In a recent development, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are exploring the possibility of retaining MS Dhoni as an uncapped player for the IPL 2025 season. This idea was discussed during a meeting between the BCCI and the ten franchises in Mumbai on Wednesday. CSK suggested the reintroduction of an old rule that classified players who retired from international cricket for five or more years as uncapped. This rule existed from the inaugural edition in 2008 until it was scrapped in 2021. However, most other franchises were not in favor of bringing back this rule.
MS Dhoni retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020. Ahead of the mega auction before IPL 2022, Dhoni was the second player retained by CSK, after Ravindra Jadeja, at the cost of INR 12 crore from the franchise’s auction purse. In contrast, an uncapped player retained that year cost the team only INR 4 crore. CSK is keen to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player if the IPL sets similar costs for uncapped players retained ahead of the 2025 auction. However, several other franchises oppose giving long-retired internationals uncapped status.
Sunrisers Hyderabad owner Kavya Maran argued that allowing a retired player to be retained as an uncapped player would “disrespect” the individual and their value, which would be much higher at an auction. She suggested that retired players should be part of the auction, where the market would determine their fair price. Another franchise agreed to this sentiment, stating that a former international player should not be considered uncapped, regardless of how many years they had been retired.
“Will do what’s best for CSK”: MS Dhoni on IPL retirement
The question of whether Dhoni, 43, will continue to play in the IPL has arisen towards the end of the last few seasons. After undergoing knee surgery in 2023, Dhoni handed over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the 2024 season and played a limited role with the bat, coming in late in the innings as a boundary-hitter. Dhoni recently mentioned that he and CSK would wait for the player retention rules to be finalized before deciding on playing the 2025 season.
Notably, MS Dhoni in a recent interview throwing light on the discussion said that his IPL retirement solely depends on what’s in CSK’s benefit and new IPL retention rules. Despite stepping down as CSK captain in 2024, Dhoni remains integral to the franchise, hinting at possibly another season in 2025 under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership. As one of the legendary CSK captains, Dhoni’s influence continues to shape including his iconic MS Dhoni hairstyle, continues to shape the team’s future and inspire its players.
Also read: Which players will CSK retain ahead of IPL 2025 Auction?
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