The anticipation surrounding MS Dhoni’s potential return for the 2025 IPL season has grown after a major decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The IPL Governing Council, during a meeting held in Bengaluru on September 28, announced several rule changes, one of which could see Dhoni back on the field for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025. The key change is the reintroduction of the ‘uncapped player’ rule, which was eliminated before the 2021 season but now makes it possible for Dhoni to be retained under special conditions.
Uncapped Players Rule: A New Hope for Dhoni Fans
One of the biggest updates from the IPL Governing Council meeting was the restoration of the uncapped players’ rule. According to this rule, teams can retain between one and two uncapped players during the mega auction. Typically, this applies to young players who haven’t made their debut for India. However, the rule has a special clause, which can consider players who have not played international cricket for five years as uncapped.
This is where Dhoni comes in. While Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020, he last played for India in July 2019. By the time the mega auction takes place, it will have been five years since his last international appearance. This means Dhoni can technically be considered an uncapped player, allowing CSK to retain him for just Rs 4 crore under this category. This offers a major advantage to the franchise as they can secure their star player without having to break the bank.
Why the Rule Was Reintroduced
The rule had been part of the IPL since its inception but was removed ahead of the 2021 season because it wasn’t used often. However, it has been brought back for the 2025 season, and reports suggest that a key factor behind this decision was MS Dhoni. During a meeting between BCCI and franchise owners in July 2024, it is believed that CSK requested the BCCI to reintroduce this rule to ensure Dhoni’s retention at a lower cost. Although the franchise denied these claims, many insiders believe Dhoni’s potential status as an uncapped player played a role in the rule’s comeback.
What This Means for CSK and IPL Fans
If this rule goes into effect, it will have significant implications for both Chennai Super Kings and Dhoni’s future in the IPL. CSK will have the chance to retain their legendary captain at a minimal cost, ensuring that he remains with the team without compromising their auction budget. The retention limit has been increased to six players, giving teams more flexibility with their squad composition.
For millions of Dhoni fans across the globe, this is great news. The possibility of seeing Dhoni lead CSK once again in IPL 2025 has now become a realistic scenario, thanks to the new retention rules.
The 2025 Mega Auction and Dhoni’s Future
The BCCI has confirmed that teams can use a combination of direct retention and the Right to Match (RTM) card to keep their key players. With the option of retaining up to six players, CSK is in a strong position to keep their core group intact, including Dhoni. The uncapped player rule will certainly play a pivotal role in this.
As IPL fans eagerly await the 2025 season, Dhoni’s potential return is one of the most anticipated developments. This change by the BCCI has given hope to all those who want to see their beloved ‘Thala’ back in action.
