IPL 2025: MS Dhoni could be treated as 'uncapped player'
What's the story
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering categorizing Mahendra Singh Dhoni as an 'uncapped player' for the upcoming 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. This decision would be a significant shift from previous regulations. The move will massively benefit Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the team that Dhoni has been associated with since the inception of IPL.
Rule modification
BCCI's rule change and its implications
The potential rule change by the BCCI would reinstate a policy from the inaugural IPL season. This policy placed players who had retired from international cricket for at least five years, into the uncapped category. If implemented, retaining Dhoni could be more cost-effective for CSK as per previous retention rules, an uncapped player could be retained for ₹4 crore.
Team response
CSK's stance on Dhoni's categorization
When asked about the possibility of Dhoni being treated as an uncapped player in the 2025 IPL auction, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan stated to TOI, "I've no idea about it. We've not requested for it." He further added that BCCI had informed them about potentially maintaining the 'uncapped player rule,' but no official announcement has been made yet.
Player perspective
Dhoni's IPL future depends on retention rules
Dhoni, who last represented India in the 2019 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand and announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020, has stated that his future in the IPL depends entirely on the retention rules for the upcoming auction. He expressed this sentiment at an event in Hyderabad earlier this month.
Career update
Dhoni's performance and future plans
Before the start of IPL 2024, Dhoni handed over the CSK captaincy to Indian opener Ruturaj Gaikwad. Despite only batting in the death overs, he managed to score 161 runs from just 73 balls at a strike-rate of 220.54 and an average of 53.66. His decision on whether to participate in another IPL season will be made after BCCI finalizes player regulations for the tournament.