MS Dhoni. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)
MS Dhoni will be able to play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025 without taking a big chunk out of the franchise’s purse. This has been made possible with the IPL Governing Council reintroducing the Uncapped Player rule. This rule allows any Indian player to be marked as an uncapped player if he hasn’t played international cricket in the preceding five years from the year of the next season. Dhoni fits the bill as he made his last international appearance in July 2019.
Dhoni’s former India teammate Mohammad Kaif expressed his excitement as the legendary former India captain will be seen in action once again. Kaif said that the rules will continue to be tweaked as long as Dhoni wants to play the IPL.
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“You will get the chance to see MS Dhoni again. He is fit, batting at a strike rate of 200, keeping well, and that is why I believe the rules will keep changing till he wants to play. If he wants to play in the IPL, he will play. He is such a big player, such a big match-winner, and has been a leader for CSK,” said Kaif on Star Sports.
I believe the rule has been changed rightly: Mohammad Kaif
The cricketer-turned-commentator said that the decision to revive an old rule was correct and it allows an iconic player like Dhoni to extend his playing career.
“I believe the rule has been changed rightly. I believe if he is fit and playing well, why not, change the rule and let him play. Everyone knows the rule has been changed for Dhoni sahab, and why not, you will want to change the rule for a player like Dhoni,” the former India batter added.
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Before the previous mega auction ahead of IPL 2022, the wicketkeeper-batter was retained by CSK for INR 12 crore. Under the new rule, the Men in Yellow will be able to retain Dhoni for only INR 4 crore. Last season, the talismanic cricketer smashed 161 runs from 11 innings at a strike rate of 220.54. He amassed 14 fours and 11 sixes during the season. Fans are waiting with bated breath to see the 43-year-old back in the park, maybe for what could be his last dance.