Ravichandran Ashwin Questions MS Dhoni’s Potential Retention as Uncapped Player in IPL 2025

The Indian Premier League is once again at the centre of a storm, this time over the potential status of its iconic captain, MS Dhoni. Renowned spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has sparked a heated debate by questioning the possibility of Dhoni being classified as an ‘uncapped’ player for the upcoming IPL season. 

The Big Question Mark

The controversy erupted after a recent IPL franchise meeting where Chennai Super Kings (CSK) proposed a rule change to allow retired players to be considered uncapped. This move is widely speculated to be a strategic manoeuvre to retain Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020. 

“Will Dhoni play as an uncapped player? That’s a big question mark,” Ashwin pondered on his YouTube channel. The off-spinner further emphasized, “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.”

The Context of Dhoni’s Status 

Dhoni, who has not participated in international cricket for several years, officially retired from the format on August 15, 2020. This raises the question of whether he could be classified as an uncapped player under a proposed rule change. Historically, the IPL had a provision that allowed players retired for five years or more to be considered uncapped, a rule that was abolished in 2021. 

However, discussions among IPL franchises have recently revived the idea of reinstating this rule, particularly to accommodate Dhoni. Ashwin elaborated on this point, stating, “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.” His remarks underscore the complexities of Dhoni’s status and the implications for team strategy within the IPL.

CSK’s Push for Dhoni’s Retention

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Dhoni’s long-time franchise, is reportedly advocating for the reintroduction of the uncapped player rule to retain him at a significantly reduced cost. If approved, CSK could retain Dhoni for approximately INR 4 crore, a stark contrast to the INR 12 crore he commanded before the IPL 2022 mega auction. This strategy would allow CSK to maintain its core team while benefiting from Dhoni’s experience and leadership.

Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO Kavya Maran has been vocal in her opposition to the idea. “When new uncapped players get more money in the auction, it sets a wrong precedent to allow senior players to be retained as uncapped,” she stated.

The IPL governing council is now faced with a crucial decision. Reintroducing the rule to accommodate Dhoni would undoubtedly create a precedent-setting moment. On the other hand, denying CSK’s request might lead to discontent among fans and potentially impact the league’s popularity.

As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, the uncertainty surrounding Dhoni’s participation remains a hot topic. At 43, Dhoni’s recent knee surgery and limited role in the 2024 season have raised questions about his ability to continue playing. Despite this, he remains a significant draw for fans and sponsors alike, with his presence likely to impact viewership and attendance at matches. Dhoni has yet to confirm his participation for the 2025 season.

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