In a surprising twist, the Chennai Super Kings management is likely to be thrilled by a recent development from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI is expected to classify Mahendra Singh Dhoni as an uncapped player for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This move would align with a historic rule where players who retired from international cricket for at least five years are designated as uncapped when new player regulations are announced.
BCCI Will Approve The Uncapped Rule:
The BCCI plans to revert to a long-standing rule from the inaugural IPL season. This regulation stipulates that players who have been retired from international cricket for a minimum of five years are classified as uncapped. By applying this rule, the BCCI aims to categorize retired players, such as Mahendra Singh Dhoni, under the uncapped category for the upcoming 2025 IPL season. This decision marks a return to a previous standard in player classification.
This change could significantly benefit Chennai Super Kings, as retaining Mahendra Singh Dhoni, a legendary former captain, will be much more economical. Under the new rules, an uncapped player can be retained for ₹4 crores, a stark contrast to the ₹12 crores CSK paid for Dhoni’s retention in 2022. This adjustment will allow CSK to keep their star player without a substantial financial burden.
When inquired about Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s status as an uncapped player for the 2025 IPL auction, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan responded. He said, “I’ve no idea about it. We’ve not requested for it. They (the BCCI) have themselves told us that the ‘uncapped player rule’ may be kept, that’s all. They (the BCCI) haven’t announced anything as yet. The rules and regulations will be announced by the BCCI.”
The CSK management reportedly advocated for this rule at a meeting with IPL franchise owners and the BCCI on July 31 in Mumbai. Mahendra Singh Dhoni last represented India in the 2019 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand at Old Trafford and announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020. This move aligns with the rule adjustment favoring teams retaining former international stars at a reduced cost.
MS Dhoni’s Performance in IPL 2024:
Ahead of IPL 2024, Dhoni passed the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, India’s promising opener. Taking on a finisher’s role, the 43-year-old Dhoni made a significant impact by scoring 161 runs from just 73 deliveries. His impressive strike rate of 220.54 and an average of 53.66 showcased his enduring ability to influence matches even in limited opportunities. Despite batting mainly in the death overs, Dhoni’s performance underlined his continued value to the team, contributing crucial runs and providing stability when needed.
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