"Everyone knows the rule has been changed for Dhoni sahab" - Mohammad Kaif on MS Dhoni's potential retention by CSK as uncapped player for IPL 2025
Mohammad Kaif reckons the Indian Premier League's (IPL) old uncapped player rule has been revived for MS Dhoni. He opined that the right decision has been made to allow the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to retain their former skipper for ₹4 crore.
The IPL, since its inception, allowed Indian players who hadn't represented the country for the previous five years to be treated as uncapped players. That rule was never used and was discontinued before being revived again ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
During a discussion on Star Sports, Kaif was asked about his thoughts on the uncapped player rule potentially allowing CSK to retain Dhoni for a cheaper amount.
"You will get the chance to see MS Dhoni again. He is fit, batting at a strike rate of 200, keeping well, and that is why I believe the rules will keep changing till he wants to play. If he wants to play in the IPL, he will play. He is such a big player, such a big match-winner, and has been a leader for CSK," he responded.
"I believe the rule has been changed rightly. I believe if he is fit and playing well, why not, change the rule and let him play. Everyone knows the rule has been changed for Dhoni sahab, and why not, you will want to change the rule for a player like Dhoni," the former India batter added.
Dhoni smashed 161 runs at a strike rate of 220.54 in 11 innings in IPL 2024. He played a few match-defining cameos, with an unbeaten 37 as his top score.
"MS Dhoni himself says that he doesn't need the money" - Mohammad Kaif
![MS Dhoni was retained for a lower price than Ravindra Jadeja at the last mega auction. [P/C: iplt20.com]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/be3e2-17279428885036-1920.jpg?w=500)
In the same discussion, Mohammad Kaif noted that MS Dhoni is also not bothered about his retention amount.
"MS Dhoni himself says that he doesn't need the money. He always says that he will adjust himself based on whatever the management decides, even though he might be getting four crores as an uncapped player. It looks odd while saying because four crores isn't much for him," he said.
The cricketer-turned-commentator added that Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shivam Dube might be among the players CSK would look to retain.
"Then you have Jadeja there. Ruturaj Gaikwad did well as a captain there last time. He is a young captain but he did a good job. They might want to retain Dube. He has played well. His recent form has been good," Kaif observed.
CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2024. They will want to win their sixth title next year in what potentially could be Dhoni's last season as a player.