IPL 2025: CSK can retain Dhoni as uncapped player
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has brought back a rule that lets teams keep former international players as uncapped ones. This move is a big win for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), as they can now retain their ex-captain, MS Dhoni, in this category. The rule first came into play in 2008 but was scrapped in 2021. It applies to Indian cricketers who've been out of international cricket for at least five years before the season kicks off.
IPL reinstates rule for uncapped player retention
As per ESPNcricinfo, IPL has told the franchises about the reinstatement of a rule during discussions on uncapped players. The rules were shared in a document detailing the retention rules. It states, "A capped Indian player will become uncapped if he has in the five calendar years preceding the year in which the relevant season is held, not played in international cricket or does not have a central contract with BCCI."
Dhoni's retention as an uncapped player
Before the big 2022 auction, Dhoni was retained by CSK for ₹12 crore. However, if CSK decides to keep him on board now as an uncapped player, his pay would drop to ₹4 crore. Since hanging up his boots in 2020, Dhoni has only been around for the IPL and has steered clear of any international cricket.
Dhoni's future in IPL
MS Dhoni's future in the IPL has been a hot topic for a while now. After undergoing knee surgery in 2023, he passed the CSK captaincy baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the 2024 season. His role with the bat was also limited, as he often batted late in the innings as a boundary-hitter. At a recent event, Dhoni said that he and CSK would wait for the player retention rules to be finalized before taking a call on his playing future.
