Will CSK use uncapped player rule for Dhoni? Viswanathan explains
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan has shared that the team hasn't decided yet on Mahendra Singh Dhoni's retention for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The recent comeback of the 'uncapped' player rule had fans buzzing with hope about Dhoni's possible return. But so far, there has been no official word from either CSK or Dhoni himself. CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan recently opened up on the same.
Uncapped player rule sparks hope for Dhoni's return
The IPL Governing Council recently rolled out some new player regulations ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction. Teams can now hold on to up to six players, which includes a maximum of five capped and two uncapped players. One of the biggest changes is that the Indian-capped players who haven't featured in international cricket five years prior to the auction can be classified as uncapped. This rule could potentially apply to Dhoni, who last represented India in July 2019.
CSK CEO reveals uncertainty over Dhoni's retention
In a chat with TOI, Viswanathan seemed a bit unsure about what the franchise has in store for Dhoni. He mentioned that it's still 'too early' for them to nail down any plans with Dhoni in the mix, adding that they haven't even reached out to him yet. "We are not sure at this stage. We might not even use it for MS Dhoni," Viswanathan told TOI.
CSK CEO hopeful of Dhoni's return
Viswanathan also mentioned that talks with Dhoni could happen soon. "Dhoni was in the US and we haven't had discussions yet. Now I am traveling this week, so there is a possibility of some discussions in the coming week," he said. He added that while they are hopeful of Dhoni playing, it is a decision that Dhoni will have to make himself.
Dhoni's retention as an uncapped player
Before the big 2022 auction, Dhoni was retained by CSK for ₹12 crore. However, if CSK decide to keep him on board now as an uncapped player, his pay would plunge 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. After undergoing knee surgery in 2023, he passed on the CSK captaincy baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the 2024 season.
