MS Dhoni’s Future in IPL: Uncertainty Looms Over CSK Retention
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced new retention rules for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, with a crucial update that holds significant implications for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Under the new guidelines, any cricketer who hasn’t represented India in the last five years will be classified as ‘uncapped.’ This change drastically reduces the amount a franchise needs to pay for retaining such a player. As a result, MS Dhoni, former India captain and CSK icon, is now eligible to be retained by the team for a mere Rs 4 crore.
CSK’s Position on Retaining Dhoni
Despite the reduced cost, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan hinted that the franchise might not utilize the uncapped retention rule for Dhoni. In a recent interview, he shared that the team has not yet discussed Dhoni’s future and that his decision to play in IPL 2025 remains uncertain.
“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 now I am travelling this week, so there could be some clarity in the coming days. We are hopeful of him playing, but it’s a call Dhoni will himself make,” Viswanathan said in an interview with Times of India.
Dhoni’s International Retirement
Dhoni retired from international cricket in August 2020, though his last appearance for India was in July 2019 during the ICC World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. With more than five years since his last international match, Dhoni now qualifies as an ‘uncapped’ player under the new IPL guidelines.
The Impact of the New Retention Rules
According to the IPL statement, “A capped Indian player will become uncapped if the player has not played in the starting XI in international cricket (Test match, ODI, Twenty20 International) in the last five calendar years preceding the relevant IPL season.” This new rule allows franchises to retain players at a lower cost, which would benefit teams like CSK looking to hold onto veterans like Dhoni.
Dhoni’s Legacy at CSK
MS Dhoni has been the heart and soul of Chennai Super Kings, leading the team to multiple IPL titles and becoming a fan favorite. However, whether Dhoni will continue to don the yellow jersey in IPL 2025 remains to be seen. As the CEO hinted, the final decision will rest with Dhoni himself, leaving fans eagerly waiting for clarity on the future of their beloved ‘Thala’.
CSK and its loyal supporters will now have to wait for further discussions between the management and Dhoni before any formal decision is made.(online casino)