The legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni's retention in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has been confirmed for the IPL 2025 season. The BCCI has reintroduced an old rule that will allow Chennai Super Kings to retain Dhoni at a lower cost.
MS Dhoni's return to IPL 2025
Dhoni is one of the most iconic players in the history of the IPL. He has been associated with Chennai Super Kings since 2008 and has made significant contributions to the team's success.
Dhoni has led the franchise to 10 IPL finals in the first 14 seasons, securing 5 championships in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. His batting contributions have been exceptional, scoring 5243 runs in 264 matches at an impressive average of 39.12 and a strike rate of 137.53. Ahead of the IPL 2024 season, Dhoni stepped down as CSK captain, handing over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad. While Gaikwad performed well as captain, CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs, suffering a crucial loss against RCB in the league stage. With the recent rule change allowing teams to retain one uncapped player, Chennai Super Kings has the opportunity to retain MS Dhoni for one more IPL season. This decision is likely to be welcomed by CSK fans as they eagerly anticipate Dhoni's continued presence in the league.
IPL Franchises to retain retired players as uncapped?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to reinstate a rule that allows franchises to retain players who have retired from international cricket for at least five years as uncapped players. This rule was previously in place since the inception of the Indian Premier League but was discontinued in 2021 due to lack of use. Following discussions with the franchises, the BCCI decided to revive this rule. Some franchise owners, including Kavya Maran of SRH, had reportedly opposed the reintroduction of this rule. MS Dhoni, who was the second retention for Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, was retained for INR 12 crore. However, with the uncapped player rule reinstated, CSK can now retain Dhoni for only INR 4 crore. This rule change will provide significant financial benefits to franchises that choose to retain retired players.
Impact player rule to continue
The Impact Player rule, introduced in the IPL 2023 season to enhance competition, has been approved to remain in place for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. The rule, which allows teams to substitute a player after the 12th over, has been a subject of debate among fans and experts. Some argue that it diminishes the role of all-rounders, while others believe it has made matches more exciting and competitive. During a meeting between BCCI officials and IPL franchise owners, a majority of participants expressed support for the continuation of the Impact Player rule.
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