MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni remains the biggest draw of IPL. (Photo: BCCI)

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • MS Dhoni is likely to be retained by CSK as an uncapped player
  • Mohammad Kaif discusses ‘weird’ retention but admits it benefits CSK
  • BCCI’s reintroduction of ‘uncapped player’ could benefit four teams

MS Dhoni is one of the biggest attractions for the IPL. There’s no problem with that, fans are turning up in large numbers to witness ‘Thala’ and the cash-rich league is willing to go to any length to keep the action going. While Dhoni’s future with Chennai Super Kings (C.S.K) remains uncertain, the BCCI has given the Yellow Army a major lifeline to retain their former captain for just INR 4 crore.

While unveiling the rules for the IPL 2025 mega auction, the BCCI revealed that the ‘uncapped’ player was being reintroduced. The same would allow players who have not played international matches in the last five years to be retained in the mega auction under the ‘uncapped’ player category.

With Dhoni, Mohit Sharma of Gujarat Titan, Sandeep Sharma of Rajasthan Royals and Piyush Chawla of Mumbai Indians eligible to be retained through this rule, Mohammad Kaif claimed that the reintroduction of this rule was only done to give CSK more flexibility , so they can keep MSD.

“We will see MS Dhoni playing again. He is fit, he bats aggressively and is also good behind the gloves. As long as he wants to play, the rules will keep changing. You have to change the rules or do whatever you want to keep MS Dhoni to play when he wants to play, he is such a big player and match winner for CSK,” Kaif said while speaking to Star Sports.

MS Dhoni was, is and will remain one of the biggest names in IPL history and his presence would undoubtedly increase the league’s revenue. CSK will also benefit from the former captain’s prowess even though he may not be as influential with the bat as he once was.

But still, Dhoni is Dhoni, he brings to the table his wealth of experience, which is simply invaluable.

“If he is fit and playing well, why not? Dhoni himself says he doesn’t need money. He has said he will do whatever the team management wants. Yes, keeping him for INR 4 crore looks a bit strange, but you have a chance to keep him anyway. Everyone knows the rule changed because of him.