Former Indian cricketer MS Dhoni might face a heavy financial loss of INR 8 crores if he is retained by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as an uncapped player for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. There are chances that his legacy could be ruined for this main reason.
Recently, there have been many speculations about MSD that he would possibly play IPL 2025 as an uncapped player, a rule that the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) is reviewing.
On top of that, the BCCI is yet to confirm the rules of retention officially for the upcoming IPL mega-auction. However, it is expected that the Board will try to bring up an old rule based on the CSK request so that the franchise could retain its ex-skipper MS Dhoni.
Earlier, there was a debate about whether the IPL mega auction would take place since many franchises demanded a mini-auction during the meeting with BCCI in the previous month to have more retentions.
Let’s find out if it is important for MS Dhoni to play as an uncapped player and his opinion about playing in IPL 2025.
What is an Uncapped Player Rule in IPL?
The IPL Player retention rule states that a cricketer can be retained by a franchise as an uncapped player, only if he has retired from all formats of international cricket for more than five years.
The uncapped player rule has been in effect since the inaugural edition of the IPL until 2021, but it was discontinued since none of the franchises used the rule.
Will the IPL 2025 Mega Auction happen or not?
Yes! The Chairman of the IPL Governing Council confirmed that the IPL 2025 mega auction is set to take place. However, the date and venue for the grand event will be officially announced by the BCCI soon.
Brilliant move or a Forced move by MS Dhoni?
If the mega auction takes place, then the introduction of the uncapped player rule will benefit CSK, but it would jeopardize MS Dhoni’s legacy. This is because an uncapped player gets a maximum annual salary of INR 4 crores and the remaining funds can be used to solidify the squad. It is understood that MS Dhoni’s salary would be reduced from INR 12 crores to INR 4 crores if he accepts to play as an uncapped player by losing 66.67% of his salary, and the confirmation is still yet to be received.
MS Dhoni about his IPL Future
Just a few weeks before, MS Dhoni attended an event in Hyderabad saying that his future in IPL depends upon the retention rules for the forthcoming auction. Furthermore, MSD clarified that once BCCI finalizes the rules and regulations, he would make a final decision that would be favorable for the team.
Should MS Dhoni play IPL 2025 as an Uncapped Player?
The 43-year-old MS Dhoni has achieved everything in his cricketing career, and he doesn’t need to continue his IPL career as an uncapped player after establishing himself as one of the greatest cricketers in history. As an Indian team captain, he won the World Cups in the ODI and T20I formats, the Champions Trophy, and the Asia Cup twice in his career. Notably, he is the most successful captain in IPL along with the former Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma winning five IPL titles.
As the upcoming season in 2025 is all about building a new squad, CSK should focus on including a majority of youth talents rather than retaining MS Dhoni for their brand value.
Earlier, Dhoni underwent knee surgery in 2023 after winning the IPL title for the 5th time, and it was the perfect moment for him to retire on a high note from the rich cash league. Rather, he worked hard to play another season to entertain his fans. But, the CSK’s batting order was imbalanced as he used to come out to bat at number 7 or number 8 position.
Most importantly. MS Dhoni rarely arrives at the crease to bat in any match facing less than 20 balls and is not the captain of CSK at all. Therefore, keeping MS Dhoni in the squad as an uncapped player wouldn’t be promising, except from the franchise’s business and profit point of view.
Final Thoughts:
The discussions arise as the franchise might retain four key players ahead of MS Dhoni which includes the names of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, and Matheesha Pathirana. If such happens, then CSK would be seriously hoping for BCCI to bring back the uncapped player rule. As a result, Dhoni would witness a reduction of INR 8 crores in his salary.
Meanwhile, there have been discussions that the BCCI might adopt the six-player retention rule. If this happens, then there wouldn’t be any requirement for the uncapped player rule, which allows CSK to easily retain MS Dhoni for the forthcoming edition. However, other franchises aren’t satisfied with the uncapped player rule. Finally, it would be interesting to see MS Dhoni taking charge of an important role for CSK if these changes occur