In a recent announcement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reinstated a rule that allows capped Indian players, who haven't played for the national team in five years, to be retained as 'uncapped' players in IPL. This rule was initially introduced in 2008 but was subsequently dropped in 2021.
The BCCI's decision has sparked discussions among cricket fans and experts. Former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) coach Tom Moody weighed in on the topic, sharing his insights and speculating on whether the rule was specifically brought back for legendary cricketer MS Dhoni.
Moody expressed his views on the rule, highlighting its potential implications for franchises and capped Indian players who have been out of the international circuit for an extended period. He also offered his thoughts on the possibility of the rule being tailored to accommodate Dhoni's return to the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Tom Moody supports rule for capped Indian players ahead of IPL 2025 auction
Meanwhile, former Australia star Moody has expressed his support for the BCCI's decision to reinstate the rule allowing capped Indian players, who haven't played for the national team in five years, to be retained as 'uncapped' players.
Moody believes that this rule offers several benefits. By being considered 'uncapped', these players can be acquired at a lower base price during the auction, increasing their chances of being selected by franchises. This also allows them to continue contributing to the IPL without placing a significant financial burden on the teams.
While MS Dhoni's iconic status at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) makes him an exceptional case, Moody emphasises that this rule benefits other veteran players as well. He believes that the continued involvement of experienced players like Dhoni in the IPL is positive for the tournament's overall quality and appeal.
"I think the easiest way to look at this is remove Dhoni as the example, because he is your extreme example. I think it's a great rule," Moody told ESPNCricinfo.
"It allows, if you're good enough and you've got longevity, a player to continue to play on the big stage and perform and have some sort of role without them, I suppose, making it difficult from a price perspective to retain those players because they may be the identity or, in Dhoni's case, he certainly is the identity of CSK. So I don't think that's an issue at all," he added.
"I think the longer iconic players like Dhoni can play in the IPL and can physically deliver like he has been, it's good for the tournament," Moody concluded.
MS Dhoni's International Retirement and IPL Legacy
Dhoni, one of the most celebrated cricketers in India's history, retired from international cricket in August 2020. His last international match was the ODI World Cup semifinal between India and New Zealand in July 2019. Despite his retirement from the national team, Dhoni continues to be a prominent figure in the Indian IPL, representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Dhoni has been an integral part of the IPL since its inception in 2008. Even during CSK's two-year ban in 2016 and 2017, he remained connected to the league by playing for the Rising Pune Supergiants. Under Dhoni's leadership, CSK has clinched the IPL title four times, equaling Mumbai Indians' record. His contributions to the team have been immense, with 5,243 runs at an impressive average of 39.13 and a strike rate of 137.54.
