IPL 2025: CSK not certain about using uncapped player retention rule for MS Dhoni; managment to soon meet former skipper

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New Delhi, Oct 1: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) newly introduced retention rules ahead of the IPL 2025 season are the most talked about in the cricketing circles.

However, one such rule that has caused a lot of stir is the retention of uncapped players, which many believe is aimed at benefitting former Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni. Read More: Like MS Dhoni, 8 Other Indian Cricketers Who Can Be Retained in Uncapped Category

The seventh point in the IPL Media Advisory issued on September 28, addressed a major shift regarding the status of capped Indian players. This significant update brings back a rule that had been in place since the IPL's inception but was removed in 2021.

The rule states, "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 match, ODI, Twenty20 International) or does not have a Central Contract with BCCI. This will be applicable for Indian players only."

By virtue of this rule, CSK - the five-time champions - now have the opportunity to retain one of the league's most iconic players, MS Dhoni, for a mere Rs 12 crore across three seasons.

For a player of Dhoni's stature, with his immense contributions both on and off the field, this retention cost seems like a bargain. Despite the lucrative option on the table, CSK's management is still undecided on whether to apply this rule to retain their 43-year-old talisman.

As per a TOI report, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan, while acknowledging the rule's presence, claimed no decisions had been made regarding Dhoni's future. "We are not sure at this stage. We might not even use it for MS Dhoni. It's still too early to comment on this because we haven't had discussions with him," Viswanathan stated.

The uncertainty surrounding Dhoni's IPL future persists, as he was out of the country when the new rules were announced. The CSK management has yet to engage in discussions with Dhoni, who is currently in the US.

Viswanathan, who is also travelling this week, indicated that talks with Dhoni could take place in the coming week, which might bring more clarity regarding his future.

"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. So, there could be some clarity then. We are hopeful of him playing, but it's a call Dhoni will himself take," Viswanathan added.

Earlier, Dhoni had mentioned during an event that he would make a decision regarding his IPL future after the new retention rules were announced. Now that the rules are public, CSK has the chance to retain Dhoni for just Rs 4 crore a season, freeing up their top three retention slots for key players like Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Matheesha Pathirana.

It remains to be seen whether the franchise will invoke the uncapped player rule to keep the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, but one thing is certain: Dhoni will have the final say on whether he continues his association with the yellow brigade.