New Delhi: Despite the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) bringing back the uncapped player rule ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mega auction, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan revealed the franchise is not sure of retaining the legendary MS Dhoni as an uncapped player. Many believed BCCI reinstating the uncapped rule was specifically for Dhoni as it would help CSK retain their former captain while not hurting their overall purse.
As per the uncapped player rule, an Indian player who has retired from international cricket and is without a central contract for at least five years preceding the relevant season will be treated as uncapped in the auction. The rule allows CSK to retain their former captain Dhoni as an uncapped player since he announced his international retirement in 2020.
However, CSK CEO Viswanathan revealed there is still uncertainty regarding Dhoni’s retention and that they might not use the rule for him. Viswanathan revealed the franchise is yet to discuss the future course of action with Dhoni before taking a call on his future. He insisted CSK wants Dhoni to continue playing but the final decision will rest on the wicket-keeper batter’s shoulders.
“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,” Kasi Viswanathan was quoted as saying by the Times of India.
“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,” he added.
Will CSK retain MS Dhoni ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction?
Despite Viswanathan’s recent comments, CSK are likely to retain Dhoni ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction as the five-time champions reportedly had requested the BCCI to reinstate the uncapped player rule. Dhoni reportedly had also agreed to be in the lowest possible retention bracket if he is to continue playing which would ensure the franchise can head into the mega auction with a healthy purse.
Dhoni has been synonymous with CSK’s success in the IPL and remains indispensable for the team thanks to his leadership qualities and finishing prowess despite having retired from international cricket long back. While fans want to see the wicket-keeper batter continue for another season, CSK too will be hoping to keep hold of their former captain and give him a proper send-off.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan revealed the franchise is not sure yet whether to retain the legendary MS Dhoni as an uncapped player or not ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
