Among the key announcements on Sunday`s announcement regarding retention rules ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, one significant change is the reintroduction of the uncapped player rule. Fans have swiftly speculated about this development,

While Dhoni played a limited role in 2024, coming in as a finisher late in the innings, his influence on the team remains immense. He had earlier stated that his decision to continue in the IPL would

MS Dhoni fans were overjoyed after the BCCI brought back the 'uncapped player' rule for retentions ahead of the mega auction. Former India opener Aakash Chopra highlighted that the rule will not just benefit CSK and the former India captain.

If CSK retain Dhoni as an uncapped player, his salary will be only INR 4 crores, down from INR 12 crores which was from IPL 2022 to 2024. This benefits CSK significantly as now they get more space in their purse, which they use to retain a capped player or utilise it at the mega auction.

BCCI has taken a big decision, for players who retired from international cricket five years ago. They will be included in the list of uncapped players. In such a situation, CSK can now retain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player.

Chennai Super Kings might have some headaches while deciding on their retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auctions. CSK might retain only five players of which two can be uncapped. Here is a list of players the five-time champions might retain and release ahead of the auctions.

Firstly, since MS Dhoni last played for India in 2019, he is now eligible to be retained as an ‘uncapped’ player. This benefits CSK as the franchise can now retain Dhoni for only INR 4 crore, which is the retention price of an uncapped player.

M.A Chidambaram Stadium turns yellow for IPL 2025 as fans await MS Dhoni's return. The new rule allows franchises to retain up to six players, including uncapped ones like Dhoni.

Dhoni retired in 2020, but his last appearance for India was in July 2019 during the WC semi-final loss to New Zealand

Dubbed "Thala" by his devoted fans, Dhoni's potential retention as an uncapped player has sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts about his future with the franchise.