Leg and off: Should CSK retain MS Dhoni for IPL 2025?
The already complicated retention rules ahead of the mega-auction have gathered another layer in the form of a new rule, where franchises can retain a player as an 'uncapped player' if they have been retired for five years. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will hope to capitalize on this provision by using it to retain veteran wicketkeeper-batter, MS Dhoni.
The former India skipper's future has often been a subject of intense speculation in the recent past. Several felt that he would step away on a high after leading CSK to a fifth title in the 2023 edition. However, he expressed his desire to play another season to repay the fans' unparalleled and constant support.
But even after that 'one more season', we are right where we were. Again, there is no clarity behind MS Dhoni's future after CSK failed to make it to the playoffs.
On that note, let us take a look at how 'perspective' is the glue that holds together MS Dhoni's retention with respect to the fans, franchise, broadcasters, and lastly, logic.
An overwhelming majority would desire MS Dhoni's retention
As the popular saying goes, 'When you want something, the whole universe conspires'. The same is the situation with this entire MS Dhoni retention saga. The majority of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans' loyalty is contingent on Dhoni's presence, with even some of his teammates like Ambati Rayudu and Ravindra Jadeja expressing frustration over the same.
So, from the fans' point of view, Dhoni's retention is a no-brainer (barring the small fraction not clouded by nostalgia). Secondly, in simple terms, Dhoni means money. Both are directly proportional to each other. So, with money being the ulterior motive for franchises, broadcasters, and the IPL organizers, it is a no-brainer from their perspective too.
The tricky part was that Dhoni's age coincided with the end of the three-year cycle in the Indian Premier League (IPL). If the already existing rule is implied where only four players can be retained, then keeping hold of MS Dhoni would have been difficult.
In that case, retaining MS Dhoni would have meant sacrificing a promising player, and using a majority portion of the purse money on a 43-year-old player. It would have been difficult for CSK to proceed with this plan, which is why a route to keep hold of Dhoni without impacting the purse was needed.
Lo and behold, a rule which was not even heard of since the inaugural edition in 2008, has conveniently popped up. With this provision of treating retired players like uncapped players, CSK will only have to shell out ₹4 crore to retain Dhoni's services. So, a win-win-win situation here more or less for fans, the franchise and the higher-ups, but who loses? Surprisingly, it's one of the winners from the win-win-win scenario itself - the franchise.
CSK have nothing to lose in the short term, but a lot in the long run
The longer MS Dhoni stays the more money CSK and IPL mint. But on the flip side, the longer and complicated would be CSK's transition and season. The longer they cling to him, the recovery would take that much longer.
The mega auction presents itself as an excellent opportunity for the franchise to navigate the transition, now that they have found an able captain in Ruturaj Gaikwad.
They also need an overhaul in the wicketkeeping department, with Devon Conway not being a reliable option. The franchise may have to compromise for a wicketkeeper option during the mini-auction that will follow, where there might not be as many choices as the mega auction.
There is not much to suggest that Dhoni is a liability to his side. He still keeps wickets well, he plays his role as a finisher down the order quite proficiently too and he is also still a leader in the side, despite not being a captain. But, his spot could be put to better use to groom a youngster that will help the transition.
No individual is above the team, and Dhoni's presence in the team, at this stage, only drags them back. His captaincy was the biggest asset that justified his presence in the team in his twilight years, and when he was not among the runs. However, now with the captaincy debate well resolved, and CSK having the perfect opportunity in the form of the mega auction to replace Dhoni,
It is high time that the franchise needs to find an identity that does not include the legend. Furthermore, the more Dhoni plays, the more he is hampering his own reputation, to a degree, where it is almost tough to watch.
To conclude, It's hard to imagine a scenario where the 'uncapped player retention' rule is introduced and CSK opts not to retain the veteran. It will make the whole endeavor futile considering that the loophole is introduced (bent) primarily to extend Dhoni's career lifespan. They can paint the new rule however they want, but its purpose is plainly obvious.
Furthermore, there is just an air of invincibility surrounding this entire situation. The move to introduce this rule right when Dhoni's retention was being debated, the margin of retirement being exactly five years, no less, all of it leads to Dhoni playing the next season.
From the broadcaster's point of view, they will milk the cow as much as possible. From the fans' point of view, they will cherish their idol as much as possible. But, from logic's point of view, it is outweighed by nostalgia and delusion.