IPL 2025: MS Dhoni NOT to be retained by CSK, CEO makes BIG statement…

New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings (CEO) Kasi Vishwanathan said the franchise is uncertain about using the Uncapped Player rule to retain former captain MS Dhoni ahead of the 2025 IPL auction. The rule was recently confirmed by the BCCI and IPL, stating that any capped India cricketer who hasn’t played international cricket in the last five years or without a central contract, will be an uncapped player.

Dhoni last represented India in 2019, CSK can use one of their retentions to bring back the 43-year-old as an uncapped player only for 4 crore.

In a conversation with TOI, Kasi Vishwanath said at this moment franchise is not sure about using the uncapped player rule to retain the former skipper.

“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. 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.”

As per latest IPL rules, the franchises must submit their retention list by October 31.

MS Dhoni showed his brilliance in the IPL 2024 edition for CSK despite coming to bat at No.7 and 8.

The 43-year-old stepped down as captain just before the season, handing the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, Dhoni’s batting prowess remained evident, as he amassed 161 runs at an impressive average of 53.67 and a remarkable strike rate of 220.55, smashing 13 sixes.

Despite former skipper’s best efforts, CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing fifth with seven wins in 14 games.