IPL 2025 Retention: Not Rs 4 Crore Factor, Why CSK Will Retain MS Dhoni as Uncapped Player

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Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) love affair is all set to continue for at least three more years as the former skipper confirmed his availability for the next edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).

There was speculation about his playing future as the veteran wicketkeeper-batter waited on the IPL Governing Council to announce the player regulations, leaving the fans and the Chennai-based franchise waiting on his decision.

The player regulation state a team can retain a total of 6 players from their existing squad before the IPL Mega Auction. The 6 players can be maximum of 5 capped or maximum of 2 uncapped. Also the retention can be either direct retention or a purchase at the auction using the Right to Match card.

The retentions, however, would cost the franchise a total of Rs 75 Crore for 5 capped players, and could rise up to Rs 79 Crore should the team also retain an uncapped player, who will cost Rs 4 Crore each for retention.

Once the player retention rules were revealed, then the focus turned to Dhoni again as the IPL GC announced the return of an old rule, which allowed an Indian capped player to be considered uncapped if he did not play an international match or feature in the BCCI contract in the last 5 years.

Dhoni falls in the uncapped and could be retained by CSK for just Rs 4 Crore. There has already been hints that CSK will make Dhoni their top retention not matter the amount they spend for his continued services.

A top retention would cost Rs 18 Crore according to reports, while the next four retention for capped players will be as follows: Rs 14 Crore, Rs 11 Crore, Rs 18 Crore and Rs 14 Crore. It doesn't necessarily have to be at the capped price, but a total of Rs 75 Crore plus any additonal fee for retention will be deducted from the purse.

Although they have suggested Dhoni will be their top retention, the franchise will still retain the former skipper and marquee player as an uncapped player. Here is a look at the reason behind this decision:

Why CSK will retain MS Dhoni as uncapped player?

The reason is very simple, the franchise will want to get the extra capped slot to plan their retentions and make plans to use the RTM at the auction. Dhoni himself did not want to take up a capped slot as he there is high probability that he will play as an impact player this season.

If Dhoni is retained as an uncapped player, CSK will get a chance to retain one more capped player. CSK is expected to retain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja and Matheesha Pathirana alongside Dhoni with Shivam Dube and Devon Conway being the RTM option.