"We might not even use it for MS Dhoni" - CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan uncertain on 'Uncapped Player' retention ahead of IPL 2025 auction
Chennai Super Kings (CEO) Kasi Viswanathan said the franchise is uncertain about using the Uncapped Player rule to retain former captain MS Dhoni ahead of the 2025 IPL auction. The rule was recently confirmed by the BCCI and the IPL, stating that any capped India cricketer who hasn't played international cricket in the last five years or without a BCCI central contract, will be an uncapped player.
With Dhoni playing his last for India in 2019, CSK can use one of their retentions to bring back the 43-year-old as an Uncapped Player for only ₹4 crore.
However, in a conversation with TOI, Kasi Viswanathan said as quoted by India Today:
"We are not sure at this stage. We might not even use it for MS Dhoni. It's still too early to comment on this because we haven't had discussions with him. Dhoni was in the US and we haven't had discussions yet. Now I am travelling this week, so there is a possibility of some discussions in the coming week. So there could be some clarity then. We are hopeful of him playing but it's a call Dhoni will himself make."
According to the latest IPL rules and regulations, the franchises must submit their retention list by October 31.
MS Dhoni enjoyed incredible success as CSK's finisher in IPL 2024
MS Dhoni was at his devastating best in the 2024 IPL season for CSK despite predominantly coming in at No. 7 and 8.
The 43-year-old relinquished captaincy on the eve of the season to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Yet, Dhoni's batting skills were on full display as he finished with 161 runs at an average of 53.67 and a strike rate of 220.55 with 13 maximums.
Despite Dhoni's best efforts, however, CSK surprisingly missed out on playoff qualification, finishing fifth with seven wins in 14 games.
In the virtual quarter-final against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Dhoni was at his vintage best, scoring 25 off 13 deliveries. However, his dismissal in the final over against Yash Dayal meant CSK fell just short of the target for playoff qualification.