With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction approaching, discussions are heating up about Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) most iconic player—MS Dhoni. Recent changes in IPL retention rules have sparked widespread speculation, with many wondering if CSK will retain Dhoni under a new “uncapped player” status. These changes allow franchises to retain players who haven’t played international cricket in the last five years as uncapped, potentially saving teams millions.
Dhoni, who last played for India in 2019, is eligible for this classification. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced this rule to offer teams more flexibility in managing player retention. For Dhoni, this means that CSK could retain him for INR 4 crore instead of the usual capped player salary.
While fans eagerly anticipate Dhoni’s return, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan recently spoke out on the possibility of retaining Dhoni as an uncapped player. Viswanathan expressed uncertainty regarding the decision, stating, “We are not sure at this stage. We might not even use the uncapped player retention card for MS Dhoni. It’s still too early to comment because we haven’t had discussions with him.”
Viswanathan’s comments reflect a careful approach. Dhoni, who stepped down as captain last season, still played a significant role, attracting massive crowds and contributing to CSK’s gameplay. Despite taking a backseat in leadership, Dhoni scored 161 runs in 11 innings at an impressive strike rate of 220.54, proving that his influence goes beyond leadership.
Though no formal discussions have been held between Dhoni and CSK’s management regarding IPL 2025, Viswanathan assured fans that Dhoni will be the one making the final call. “Dhoni will take a call on his future, and we will have a discussion with him soon,” he added. “We are hopeful of him playing, but ultimately it’s his decision.”
With the auction scheduled for December 2024 and retention lists due by October, CSK’s decision on Dhoni must come soon. Fans across social media have rallied behind the iconic captain, with hashtags like #RetainDhoni trending frequently. For CSK fans, Dhoni represents more than just a player—he is the face of the franchise, and his legacy remains tied to its success.
The new uncapped player rule offers franchises a unique advantage, not just for CSK but for other teams as well. With more flexibility in player retention, the strategy could significantly impact how teams approach the auction. For CSK, the rule could allow them to retain Dhoni at a lower price and free up more funds to strengthen other areas of their squad.
However, despite the potential savings, the management is treading carefully, with Viswanathan reiterating that CSK is not focused solely on financial benefits but rather on Dhoni’s own wishes and future plans.
As the IPL 2025 auction nears, MS Dhoni’s future remains one of the most anticipated decisions in the cricketing world. Will CSK capitalize on the new retention rules and retain Dhoni as an uncapped player, or will the iconic player decide to step away? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: MS Dhoni’s legacy will continue to be a defining part of IPL history, no matter what happens next season.
Key Highlights:
- IPL 2025’s new retention rules allow franchises to retain players like MS Dhoni as uncapped, leading to speculation.
- CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan addressed the rumors but stopped short of confirming Dhoni’s retention as uncapped.
- Dhoni’s contributions last season proved his continued value to the team, though his future in IPL remains uncertain.
- The final decision on Dhoni’s retention will be made after discussions between him and CSK management.
Credit: This article is based on information from The Times of India, Sports Tiger, and The Indian Express.