At the end of every season, MS Dhoni is asked if it was his last time playing in the IPL in the famed Yellow Jersey. And every year, fans get a cryptic answer from the CSK and Indian Legend. In the last match that CSK played at Chepauk in IPL 2024, MS Dhoni walked the circumference of the boundary line in what felt like a farewell walk. Yet, it seems as if the doors have once again opened for the now, 43-year-old to make a comeback into the Chennai Super Kings squad and prolong his IPL career even further.
During a recent event in Hyderabad, Dhoni addressed questions about his future in the IPL. He remarked, “There’s still plenty of time to decide. We need to wait and see what decisions are made regarding player retention and other regulations. Right now, the situation is out of our hands. Once the rules are finalized, I’ll make a decision, but it will be based on what’s best for the team.”
Dhoni himself has hinted at the Retention Rules playing a huge part in his decision, and that might exactly be the case. It seems that BCCI might reintroduce an old rule that would allow MS Dhoni to play as an uncapped international player.
Reports have emerged suggesting that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) management has requested the BCCI to reinstate an old IPL rule that would allow them to retain MSD as an uncapped player ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Previously, CSK had retained Dhoni for a substantial sum of ₹12 crore, but circumstances have shifted significantly since then. Dhoni has now passed on his duties as the Captain to Ruturaj Gaikwad and also handed himself a very limited role with the bat. However, the fact doesn’t change that he is the reason that the majority of the CSK fans turn on their television.
The rule in question was a part of the IPL regulations from the league’s inception until 2021 when it was discontinued due to lack of use. The rule permits players who have been retired from international cricket for over five years to be categorized as uncapped. If reinstated, this rule would allow CSK to retain Dhoni at a reduced cost of ₹4 crore, a significant decrease from his previous retention price.
According to a report by News18, CSK brought up the possibility of reinstating this retention rule during a meeting with the BCCI on July 31. The Indian cricket board is reportedly open to the idea.
“There is a strong likelihood that the rule will be reinstated. It was discussed extensively during the meeting last month and may be reintroduced when the player regulations are announced,” a BCCI source told News18.
Is BCCI really helping out CSK or favouring them like this? It sure is a strong possibility since MS Dhoni brings with him a Brand Value like no other player. There is a huge demographic of people who watch the IPL to get a glimpse of MS Dhoni whenever they get the chance. If anything MS Dhoni prolonging his IPL career only means better publicity of the league and more money into the pockets of BCCI.
