CSk is not sure about using an uncapped retention card for MS Dhoni for IPL 2025

CSK uncertain over using uncapped retention card for MS Dhoni for IPL 2025 by Arjit – 16 Feb 2024 As the Indian Premier League or IPL gears up for 2024, Chennai Super Kings fans are pretty eager to know updates relating to the future of the iconic former skipper of the franchise, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Having led the CSK over the years to umpteen successes, Dhoni is still a doubt as a player for the forthcoming season.

The BCCI recently brought in a new retention rule that gave CSK an opportunity to retain Dhoni for a lesser price, but the franchise’s CEO Kasi Viswanathan has given hints that they won’t use it ahead of the mega auction.

New Retention Rule for Uncapped Players

The new retention rule inducted by BCCI ahead of the TATA IPL 2024 season has gained interest from fans and franchises alike. Also, as per this rule, a “capped” Indian player may be retained as an “uncapped” player if, in the five calendar years preceding the relevant season, the player has not appeared in the starting XI in any international match in any format-Test, ODI, or T20I-or does not hold a Central Contract with the BCCI.

Since MS Dhoni finally retired from international cricket in 2020, having last represented the country in 2019, these criteria are fulfilled. Hence, CSK retain him as an uncapped player for a rather modest sum of INR 4 crore, far less than what normally would be the price tag of any legend of Dhoni’s stature.

CSK stand: Obviously, WE ARE retains Dhoni

Despite this beneficial retention option, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan recently said the franchise had not decided yet whether to use the uncapped player retention card for Dhoni. “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,” Viswanathan told the Times of India.

This has triggered a lot of speculation among fans and the cricket fraternity. Some feel the franchise is looking to give Dhoni a more honorary farewell, while others believe CSK might retain him at a higher price out of respect for the immense contribution he has made for the team. But from Viswanathan’s statement, it seems Dhoni’s fate in the IPL 2024 hangs in the balance, and any call will be taken only after discussions.

Dhoni’s Call on His Future

Viswanathan, however, said that Dhoni’s fate would depend eventually on the man himself. “Dhoni was in the US, and we haven’t had discussions yet. Now, I am traveling 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 take,” added Viswanathan.

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His stature and contribution to Indian cricket apart, the franchise had little choice but to leave the final call with him. Over the years, CSK has had him for much more than just a player on show: he has been their mentor, leader, and face. Though fans are eager to see him don the yellow jersey for at least another season, Dhoni could be playing with his IPL retirement since he has spoken more of personal commitments and business ventures that he’d like to attend to once he’s done with international cricket.

Even as Dhoni was easing into the transition out of the captaincy mantle last season and giving center stage to Ruturaj Gaikwad, his presence in the middle was simply irreplaceable. Coming into this season, Dhoni has played the role of a middle-order batsman much more often, and when he did, it was an absolute treat to watch the star batsman in full flow across all arenas. Even though CSK failed to qualify in the playoffs, still Dhoni managed to provide some standout moments this season, scoring 161 runs in 11 innings at an astonishing average of 53.66 and a strike rate of 220.54.

His best being 37*, it came at crucial times, while he faced all of 14 fours and 13 sixes this season. Dhoni has remained a force to win games from nowhere, even though he batted a little lower down the order with fewer balls to face. So, his CSK matches have recorded massive turnouts, with fans flocking in numbers to catch what could be his final season in action.

What’s Next for CSK and Dhoni?

But as the CSK management gears up for the next season, the bigger question that will stare at them is the future of Dhoni. Depending on the final call he makes – playing one last season or retiring from the IPL, his legacy in the league is sealed. Having won four IPL titles, the value Dhoni has brought to the Chennai Super Kings and Indian cricket remains second to none.

The most critical aspect which will determine this final team composition in CSK’s retention strategy for the coming season. These stars can play under the mentorship of Dhoni, if he so desires to continue, into another grueling season. The moment Dhoni retires, CSK will have to plan their future sans the legendary skipper as a new era gets underway under the leadership of Gaikwad.

FAQs

Q: What is the retention for the uncapped player rule in IPL 2025?

A: According to this rule, the IPL franchises can retain a capped player as an uncapped player if the player hasn’t played international cricket in the last 5 years.

Q: Can CSK retain MS Dhoni for IPL 2025?

A: Yes, CSK can retain MS. Dhoni as an uncapped player for IPL 2025 since he hasn’t played any international cricket since 2019.

Q: What does The CEO of CSK say on the retention of MS. Dhoni?

A: The CEO of CSK said that the franchise has not yet decided on retaining MS. However, the final call will be of MS. Dhoni.

Q: How was MS. Dhoni’s performance in the last IPL season?

A: MS Dhoni scored 161 runs in 11 innings with an average of 53.66.