Ravichandran Ashwin backs CSK’s bid for MS Dhoni’s retention as uncapped player for IPL 2025

Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently sparked speculation about the potential retention of MS Dhoni by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) under a special rule ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction later this year.

With MS Dhoni having been away from international cricket since 2019, there’s been talk about reintroducing a rule that would allow him to be retained as an uncapped player. Actually, from the inaugural IPL season in 2008 through to the 2021 edition, there was a rule that allowed the players who retired from international cricket for over five years to be listed as uncapped.

CSK pushes for MS Dhoni’s uncapped retention in IPL 2025

This would allow teams to retain big retired players at a reduced cost compared to active international stars. Now, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) officials proposed the reinstatement of that discarded rule to allow the retention of MS Dhoni as an uncapped player for the IPL 2025 mega auction.

The five-time IPL champions conveyed their idea during the recent meeting between the BCCI and IPL franchise owners in Mumbai on July 31. This rule would allow CSK to retain MS Dhoni at a significantly reduced cost.

It is being said that CSK has proposed to the IPL governing council and other franchise owners the reintroduction of this rule. If approved, MS Dhoni, who was retained by CSK for INR 12 crore ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, could potentially be retained for just INR 4 crore under this rule.

However, several IPL franchises have reportedly opposed bringing back the rule, citing concerns over fairness and competitive balance. As the debate is heating up and everyone is eagerly waiting to see if the iconic player will be once again seen as an uncapped sensation, Ravichandran Ashwin backed CSK’s demand, but he is also excited to know whether MS Dhoni would agree to play as an uncapped player in the upcoming IPL 2025.

Will Dhoni play as an uncapped player?: Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, “Will Dhoni play as an uncapped player? That's a big question mark. The point is correct. He hasn't played international cricket for many years. He has retired. So, he is an uncapped player. He is not a capped player. Can a player like Dhoni play as an uncapped player? That is another conversation. Obviously, if someone talks about Dhoni, everyone will talk about it.”

Meanwhile, the franchises have also called for stricter regulations regarding overseas players in the IPL. They have proposed a two-year ban for players who withdraw from the league without a valid reason after being auctioned.

Additionally, the IPL franchises also want all overseas players to participate in mega auctions rather than just mini auctions, ensuring they face the full bidding process and receive fair compensation.

Ravichandran Ashwin criticizes overseas players skipping IPL mega auctions

Reacting to the demand, Ravichandran Ashwin opined by saying: “There is a new fun rule coming up that is going to change everything. I am saying this clearly. What do all the foreign players do? Skipping the mega auction. Today is the mega auction. I am going to farm in my city. Instead of coming to the auction, I will come to the mini-auction to build a house in Sydney for this mini-auction.”

Ravichandran Ashwin signed off by saying, “Tomorrow, I am buying the Maldives. The day after tomorrow, I am buying a ship in Fiji. They have come to the mini-auction so far. What they are saying is that the highest value of an Indian player is your value. You can go for as much as you want.”