The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to put former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni in the uncapped players category. As per the rules and regulations ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction which are yet to be announced, Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020 may be put in the category of uncapped players. Amidst reports, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan falsified reports of the Chennai-based franchise urging BCCI to bring back the rule.
“I've no idea about it. We've not requested for it. They (the BCCI) have themselves told us that the 'uncapped player rule' may be kept, that's all. They (the BCCI) haven't announced anything as yet. The rules and regulations will be announced by the BCCI," Viswanathan told TOI.
As per earlier reports, CSK management urged the apex cricket board in India to reintroduce the rule as Dhoni's last international appearance was in 2019 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand.
The IPL 2024 was expected to be Dhoni’s last. He handed over the captaincy to a young Ruturaj Gaikawad. The five-time champions were knocked out of the playoffs contention in their last league game as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) got the better of them. The 42-year-old was expected to announced his retirement from the IPL as well but he didn’t.
Dhoni waiting for new rules and regulations
Earlier this month at an event in Hyderabad, Dhoni said that he will take a call on his IPL career after the new rules and regulations are announced.
“There is a lot of time for it. We have to see what decision they take on player retention etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court. So, once the rules and regulations get formalised, I will take a call, but it needs to be in the best interest of the team,” said the wicketkeeper-batter.
Dhoni’s statistics in IPL 2024
Dhoni's services with the bat were used down the order by CSK team management. He scored 161 runs at a strike rate of 220.55. His best was unbeaten 37. He smashed as many as 13 sixes in the season.
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