IPL 2025: MS Dhoni to play for CSK as Uncapped Player? Franchise attempts to reintroduce defunct rule

Mahendra Singh Dhoni still has legs in him to at least play another season in the IPL. The Chennai Super Kings stalwart has been a mainstay in the tournament and has led the franchise to five IPL titles.

MS Dhoni is currently 43 years old, which has raised questions about his participation in the IPL. The CSK stalwart underwent a knee operation last year to feature in the tournament this season, but is likely to play in IPL 2025 as well.

The IPL franchise owners and BCCI held a meeting ahead of the IPL 2025 proceedings. A plethora of discussions took place regarding the impact player rule, player retentions and many more. As per reports, CSK pleaded to BCCI to reintroduce an IPL rule which was in existence till 2021.

The rule which was scrapped off in 2021, used to consider retired international players as an Uncapped player if they had retired for more than five years. CSK want to retain MS Dhoni via this route, but the other franchises were vocal against it.

Why did CSK want MS Dhoni as an Uncapped Player?

CSK are inclined to retain MS Dhoni ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Generally, a capped player's retention price is much more than an uncapped player. The base price to retain an uncapped player is ₹4 crore, while it can be around ₹8-12 crore for a capped player.

CSK know the importance of keeping Dhoni tied with the franchise, but they may be reluctant to play the humongous double figure sum for the veteran. And that was the reason why the franchise wanted the India legend to be marked in the uncapped section.

A head of another franchise said to ESPNCricinfo that several teams apart from CSK opined that a retired international play shouldn't be considered as an uncapped player as it is disrespectful to the player himself.

CSK's cheeky attempt to cut their cost and retain Dhoni has gone out of the window. The five-time IPL champions may have to find another route to keep their prized asset ahead of the mega auction.

Dhoni recently opened up about playing in the IPL next season. The veteran is currently taking a patient approach and the IPL's decision on retention rules, salary cap may play crucial part in his decision. The India legend said that his decision will come only after considering team's interest.

"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," Dhoni said in Hyderabad.