With the next IPL auction around the corner, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is planning its moves to build a better team for the next season, and the Uncapped Player rule in IPL can be a game-changer for them.
To ensure that key players are not poached from the team and to build a strong squad, CSK management is targeting particular areas of the game that require strengthening.
One key element of their strategy is the notion of the ‘uncapped player,’ a rule that could be vital in allowing the retention of legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni and effectively controlling the team’s fiscal capacities.
Understanding IPL Uncapped Player Rule
There is a lot of buzz on the internet around the IPL’s Uncapped Player rule. Hence, in this article, we have decided to decode the mystery behind this rule in context with Chennai Super Kings. We will also delve into how this rule can help CSK retain their Thala.
In the IPL, an uncapped player is someone who has not played for India in any International cricket formats. This gives franchisees the right to keep or buy such players at a lower base price than the capped players, the players who have played for the country.
The initial price for uncapped players is Rs 20 Lakh, and the highest is capped at Rs 4 crore, depending on the player’s experience and performance in previous league seasons.
The importance of this rule is that it makes the system better placed to enable franchises such as CSK to retain good players while at the same time not having to break the bank. This is because uncapped players are cheaper to buy, and therefore, franchises can use the money they have saved to purchase other essential players or to retain other players. Furthermore, this rule is helpful for players who have played for their countries and then retired but still have the capabilities and the authority to enhance their IPL teams.
Highest Paid Uncapped Players in IPL Auctions
- Avesh Khan – The Lucknow Super Giants made headlines in 2022 when they splashed a whopping ₹10 crore on Avesh Khan, making him the most expensive uncapped player in IPL. Avesh’s raw pace and ability to bowl yorkers at will made him a sought-after asset, and his performance did justice to his price tag. His knack for picking crucial wickets at crunch moments proved he was worth every penny, making him one of the most expensive uncapped players in IPL history.
- Krishnappa Gowtham – In 2021, Krishnappa Gowtham created waves at the IPL auction when Chennai Super Kings snapped him up for ₹9.25 crore. A versatile off-spinner and a handy lower-order batsman, Gowtham’s T20 exploits earned him a hefty payday. While the pressure of his price tag was immense, his ability to contribute with both bat and ball was something CSK banked on, even if his performances were mixed.
- Shahrukh Khan – Punjab Kings took a significant punt on Shahrukh Khan in 2022, bidding ₹9 crore to bring the hard-hitting batsman into their fold. Known for his six-hitting ability and finishing skills, Shahrukh became an instant fan favourite. His fearless approach and powerful strokes made him an exciting addition to Punjab’s lineup, validating the hefty investment.
- Rahul Tewatia – Gujarat Titans spent ₹9 crore on Rahul Tewatia in the 2022 auction, betting on his all-round capabilities. Famous for his unforgettable match-winning innings against Punjab Kings in 2020, Tewatia’s leg spin and explosive batting made him a prized pick. His unpredictability and match-winning potential justified the high price tag.
- Krunal Pandya – The 2018 auction saw Krunal Pandya becoming one of the highest-paid uncapped players when Mumbai Indians secured him for ₹8.8 crore. With his sharp left-arm spin and powerful batting down the order, Krunal was a crucial player for MI, often turning games in their favour with his all-around performances.
- Varun Chakravarthy – Kings XI Punjab took a bold step in 2019 by acquiring Varun Chakravarthy for ₹8.4 crore. Known for his mystery spin, Chakravarthy’s unknown factor in the bowling department made him a valuable asset. Despite the high expectations, his ability to bamboozle batsmen with his variations showcased why franchises were willing to shell out big bucks for uncapped talent.
MS Dhoni’s Potential as an Uncapped Player
This could well be a masterstroke by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as they gear up for the next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in retaining MS Dhoni as an uncapped player. This news is still in the rumour phase, with no confirmation from CSK’s management.
We all know that MS Dhoni is a cricket icon and the backbone of CSK. He has played a big role in the franchise’s success. Besides, he has won five IPL titles, including two recently in 2021 and 2023, and his leadership and in-game knowledge cannot be replaced.
In 2024, Dhoni played under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership. Gaikwad’s leadership was the phase where the transition was taking place. Despite not making it to the playoffs, CSK only ranked fifth.
Dhoni’s presence on the field inspired other players, especially the young ones, and he also ensured that the team’s morale was high. Therefore, it is important for CSK to use the IPL uncapped player rule and retain MS Dhoni.
But this might leave you with the question as to how MS Dhoni will fall in the category of an uncapped player. Let’s understand this further.
How can MS Dhoni play as an uncapped player in the IPL?
According to the IPL guidelines, any player who has not played international cricket for the last five years is considered an uncapped player.
For Dhoni, this would mean a price of four crores, as opposed to twelve crores, which he would attract as a capped player. This Rs 8 crore saving can be a big relief for CSK as it would provide the franchise with more options to reinforce other departments in the auction.
This will help CSK retain its core while infusing new players into the playing squad. He has a lot of experience in pressure moments, is a great coach for young players, and is a favourite of the CSK supporters.
If the IPL clears him to play, this might just be the triggering factor that would ensure CSK’s continued victory.
Moving forward to the next season, CSK may likely retain Dhoni as an uncapped player. Dhoni retired from international cricket more than five years ago, making him eligible to be bought as an uncapped player according to IPL rules.
In other words, his base price would be effectively Rs 4 crore and not Rs 12 crore, which would have been the case if he had been a capped player. This could be a real saving for the franchise, which could then be invested in other parts of the squad.
But what needs to be mentioned here is that the IPL governing body has not made any decisions on Dhoni and has not declared him an uncapped player.
If this rule is to be implemented, then it will be beneficial for CSK to get their beloved captain at a lower price, which will help the ‘Yellow Army’ be a strong entity in the auction and on the field.
related reading: To learn more about CSK’s player investments,
check out our post on the most expensive players bought by Chennai Super Kings.
