With the decks cleared for the Chennai Super Kings to retain legendary MS Dhoni for another season as BCCI reinstated the ‘Uncapped Player’ rule for the league, the confirmation from the former skipper has cleared the air over his participation in the upcoming season.
“I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play,” said Dhoni during an event in Pune.
“The emotions keep coming, the commitments are there. I want to enjoy the game for the next few years. I have to keep myself fit for nine months so that I can play two and a half months of IPL. You need to plan it out, but at the same time chill a bit.”
Despite MS Dhoni’s announcement, the official announcement is yet to be announced after the meeting between the player and the franchise.
“When he is ready, what else (do) we want? We are happy,” told franchise CEO Kasi Viswanathan.
With concerns about growing his participation in the IPL, Dhoni revealed that it would be entirely dependent on the retention rules set by the IPL council.
“There is a lot of time for it. We have to see what decision they take on player retention etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court. So, once the rules and regulations get formalised, I will take a call, but needs to be in the best interest of the team,” he said.
The Wk-Batter was last seen playing for CSK in the IPL 2024 match against RCB at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Previously, BCCI has brought back the ‘uncapped player’ rule after being scrapped in 2021. According to the rule which is only applicable to Indian players, “a capped Indian player will become uncapped if the player has in the last five calendar years preceding the year in which the relevant Season is held, not played in the starting XI in International Cricket (Test, ODI, T20I) or does not have a Central Contract with BCCI.”
As Dhoni announced his retirement in 2019, he’ll be eligible to play in the IPL by the ‘Uncapped rule’. If Dhoni does participate, he can be retained for a price of INR 4 crore.
Following this rule change, it appears likely that Mahendra Singh Dhoni will play in the IPL 2025 for CSK.
Meanwhile, Kasi Vishwanathan provided a major update about Dhoni’s availability. “We also want Dhoni to play in the CSK team. But Dhoni has not confirmed it to us yet. Dhoni said, ‘I will tell you before October 31.’ We hope that he will play.”
He further added, “You will get the chance to see MS Dhoni again. He is fit, batting at a strike rate of 200, keeping well, and that is why I believe the rules will keep changing till he wants to play. If he wants to play in the IPL, he will play. He is such a big player, such a big match-winner, and has been a leader for CSK.”
With the high speculations revolving around Dhoni’s availability, Chennai Super Kings will be likely to retain captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Pacer Matheesha Pathirana ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.
IS The Uncapped Player Rule in IPL 2024 Auction Only For MS Dhoni?
The status of the uncapped players is highlighted by the case of Dhoni. If retained by CSK, his price will be as low as INR 4 crore. His strategic acumen and fame assert that despite his uncapped status, the team will go for him at any price.
However, the rule isn’t exclusive to Dhoni. It will be applicable to all players, especially those retiring from international cricket yet fit for IPL. Players like Piyush Chawla and Amit Mishra have been out of the Indian team for years but continue to excel in the IPL.
The Uncapped Players rule underscores the BCCI‘s commitment to players who maintain their passion and fitness for the game even after their international retirement.
The rule change reflects on shift towards valuing commitment, longevity and strategy acumen in players.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Retained Players List – All 10 Teams Latest News
