You can’t get a bigger name than MS Dhoni when it comes to cricket, whether it’s about winning all the big competitions in an India jersey as captain or leading his power-packed Chennai boys to five IPL trophies. Wherever there is a champion’s seat, you expect MS Dhoni to take that position comfortably. In the IPL, CSK and MS Dhoni share an inspiring loyalty, similar to what we saw between football legend Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona. However, it is also true that we might soon see MS Dhoni hang up his boots and pass on the torch to the next generation.
It will be interesting to see whether he does this after IPL 2025 or before, but the question remains: will he play for CSK or not? Here are two pointers that will help you understand the conditions that may determine whether he will play or not.
Will MS Dhoni play in IPL 2025?
Two things that could determine his availability are the IPL retention policy and, surprisingly, the fact that the Indian legend might only play via the ‘uncapped’ route.
Is it possible for MS Dhoni to play as an uncapped player in IPL 2025?
One interesting and important topic currently making headlines is whether MS Dhoni can play as an uncapped player in IPL 2025. While it sounds intriguing, it’s also a significant topic, as it came to light when CSK CEO Kasinath Viswanathan requested the BCCI in a recent meeting to bring back a major rule that existed from 2008 to 2021.
This rule stated that if a player had retired from international cricket for five or more years, they would be classified as an uncapped player.
Now, if we consider the scenario where Dhoni returns as an uncapped player, his retention cost would be INR 4 crore. This would represent a drop of almost 12 crore, as he currently receives 16 crore from CSK. However, his potential comeback as an uncapped player would allow CSK to retain him as well and maintain their core squad. They will aim to build this core squad to dominate the game in the future, even in MS Dhoni’s absence.
However, considering the current scenario, it seems almost impossible to reinstate that particular rule. Also, during the meeting, other franchises reportedly resisted this idea, arguing that it could disrupt competitive equality and, in some cases, financial stability.
IPL 2025 retention policy
Now, apart from uncapped scenario, if we talk about retention policy Currently, IPL franchises are allowed to retain four players. In 2018, this rule was adjusted to permit teams to retain up to five players. However, with the expansion of the league in 2022, when LSG and GT joined, the retention number was reduced back to four. Looking ahead to 2025, reports suggest that CSK is focusing on the future of the team and may prioritise retaining Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesa Pathirana, and Shivam Dube over Dhoni.
In a recently held meeting between IPL owners and the BCCI, the retention policy was a main topic, as teams are keen to maintain balance for many years. This will play a significant role in determining MS Dhoni’s availability for IPL 2025.
Given these factors, it will be interesting to see how MS Dhoni might return to the field in IPL 2025.
