MS Dhoni is one of five players set to be retained by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, along with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, as per media reports. The amounts CSK are paying to each retained player have yet to be confirmed, but the franchise will lose at least INR 65 crore from their overall purse of INR 120 crore. The five retentions will leave them with one right-to-match option at the auction.
Uncapped Player Status
Dhoni, 43, is likely to be retained as an uncapped player after the IPL reinstated a rule allowing those who haven’t played international cricket for five years to be considered uncapped. He hasn’t played for India since the 2019 ODI World Cup.
October 31 is the deadline by which the ten franchises must submit their list of retained players to the IPL ahead of the mega auction. Teams can retain up to six players, with a maximum of five capped internationals and two uncapped players. The IPL has set minimum deductions from the auction purse for each retained player: INR 18 crore for the first player, INR 14 crore for the second, INR 11 crore for the third, INR 18 crore for the fourth, INR 14 crore for the fifth, and INR 4 crore for an uncapped player. Franchises have the freedom to pay more or less than these amounts.
Earlier this week, Dhoni mentioned that he wanted to “enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I’m able to play.” He also revealed that his limited role with the bat in IPL 2024 was influenced by the upcoming T20 World Cup, as he aimed to allow players like Dube and Jadeja “to prove themselves to get into the Indian team.”