A five-time IPL champion, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise is trying hard to keep its former captain MS Dhoni for the IPL 2025. They want MS Dhoni to play in IPL 2025 in every way possible, and looking for a change in rules for the same. In a meeting of IPL franchise owners and the BCCI, CSK presented their point regarding the rule of considering a player ‘uncapped’ if he retires for more than five years.
Table of Contents
Along with the above-mentioned rule, they also want the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to bring back the old rule of retaining an ‘uncapped player’ separately. They seek the rule so that they can retain their legendary captain MS Dhoni in IPL 2025. Today, we will give you the full details regarding this in this article. So without wasting any time, let’s dive into it quickly.
IPL 2025: CSK wants a change in rule to retain MS Dhoni
The BCCI conducted a meeting with the IPL franchise owners on July 31 in their headquarters in Mumbai. Some of the major points like increase or decrease in player retention, existence or frequency of mega auction, impact player rule, etc were discussed in the meeting.
Another point or agenda the BCCI discussed with the franchises was a separate rule to retain an uncapped rule. Regarding that, CSK presented their point which was to bring the old rule back. The rule which we are talking about says if a player has been retired from the internationals for five or more years, they can be categorized as an uncapped player.
This rule existed for 14 years (from 2008 to 2021) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The BCCI scrapped this rule after 2021 and now CSK wants this rule back.
Why CSK want MS Dhoni to retain this way?
If the BCCI allows this separate rule of retaining an uncapped player, CSK will look to retain MS Dhoni for IPL 2025 in an uncapped player category. It will help them to cut the cost of retaining their former captain. MS Dhoni took retirement from international cricket in August 2020 and played his last international game in ODI WC 2019 against New Zealand (NZ).
The majority of the franchises are against the ‘uncapped player rule’
Although CSK is trying hard to bring that old rule back, the majority of the IPL franchises are not in favor of this rule. Also, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise owner, Kavya Maran even thinks categorizing a legendary player like MS Dhoni in uncapped player is ‘disrespectful.’
The BCCI has heard all the feedback from the franchises on this, and after considering this point, they will take the final call. They will discuss with the IPL governing council before taking a final call.
‘Once the rules and regulations get formalized, I will take a call’ – MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni has also opened up about his possibility of playing in IPL 2025. In an event in Hyderabad, MS Dhoni said he will take a call once the rules of the retentions are finalized. He is waiting for the BCCI’s decision. Also, Dhoni will decide on his future after considering the best interest of the team.
“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 formalized, I will take a call, but needs to be in the best interest of the team,” Dhoni said in Hyderabad.
MS Dhoni relinquishes CSK’s captaincy before IPL 2024
MS Dhoni left the role of captaincy in CSK just before the start of IPL 2024. Ruturaj Gaikwad led the side in the season. CSK didn’t qualify for the top 4 after losing a close-fought virtual eliminator against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a league-stage match.
MS Dhoni also didn’t bat up the order and prioritized others batting before him. All these things hinted towards Dhoni’s non-involvement in IPL 2025. But, if he plays the next season, it will be good news for his fans all around the world.
Dhoni was struggling with a knee injury during the IPL 2023. He went for minor knee surgery after a trophy-winning IPL 2023 season and played after a rehab/recovery in IPL 2024.
Conclusion
So this is the latest update regarding MS Dhoni’s future in IPL 2025. If the BCCI won’t allow this rule, CSK might look to retain MS Dhoni in another way possible.
Firstly, CSK demands an increase in a number of player retention for IPL 2025 so they can retain MS Dhoni as a 5th or 6th retention player. That demand might be fulfilled as the other franchises (not all the franchises) are also in favor of increasing the number of player retention.
Let’s see how things panned out for CSK. We might see some other rule changes in IPL 2025 after BCCI meets the IPL governing council. By the end of August, the BCCI might announce the rules and regulations of IPL 2025 as well.
ODI Cricket : Top 2 Batters, Fastest To Teach 14000+ Runs In ODI Cricket
FAQs:-
(1) Has MS Dhoni played for a other franchise than CSK?
Yes. MS Dhoni played for the Rising Pune Super Giants (RPS) when the IPL governing council banned CSK for two years in 2016-17.
(2) What’s the salary of MS Dhoni in IPL 2024?
Dhoni’s IPL 2024 salary was INR 12 crore.
(3) What’s the worst season for CSK in IPL history?
IPL 2022 was the worst season for five-time champions CSK. They finished 2nd last in the points table with only 4 wins in 14 games.
(4) Which bowler has taken the most wickets for CSK?
DJ Bravo has taken the most wickets (154) for CSK till now. The 2nd best is Ravindra Jadeja with 142 wickets.
