Why is MS Dhoni an uncapped player for CSK ahead of IPL 2025 Auction?
Former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been retained as an uncapped player by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2025. The updated BCCI rules made him eligible for this category.
MS Dhoni and CSK are synonymous with each other, with their association dating back to the very first season of the IPL, when the Chennai-based franchise acquired him as a marquee player. Nicknamed "Thala" by the CSK fans, Dhoni has led them to five IPL titles, with the most recent one coming in 2023. Since then, he has relieved himself from the role and handed it over to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
There were many speculations made about MS Dhoni's future and he cleared the air at a press event held a few days back. Fans were still worried as to how their iconic player would be retained ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
Through an eight-point media advisory released by IPL back in September 2024, the league reintroduced a rule that was discarded in 2021. The regulation states:
"A capped Indian player will become uncapped, if the player has in the last five calendar years preceding the year in which the relevant season is held, has not played in the starting XI in International Cricket or does not have a Central Contract with BCCI. This will be applicable for Indian Players only."
MS Dhoni will take up an uncapped player's slot and will thus be retained for a price of ₹4 crore. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja are the other players who have signed a new deal at the franchise.
"Just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket" - MS Dhoni clears the air on his future in cricket
Speaking at a promotional event held by Rigi, MS Dhoni mentioned that he wants to enjoy his cricket to the fullest in whatever time he has remaining in the sport.
The 43-year-old said:
"I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play. In our childhood, we used to go out to play at 4pm and enjoy the game. But when you play professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy cricket, just like a game. It's not easy. The emotions are there, commitments are there. I want to enjoy the game for the next few years."
MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings will continue their partnership, in what will be their 16th season next year.
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