In a strategic move ahead of the 2025 IPL players’ auction, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have retained their former captain, MS Dhoni, as an uncapped player at ₹4 crore. The decision, which has drawn both praise and speculation, allows CSK to capitalize on Dhoni’s presence while freeing up funds to potentially secure high-profile additions to their lineup in the upcoming auction.
Former cricketer takes a witty dig at the Chennai Super Kings strategy
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif praised CSK’s smart strategy, noting that by Dhoni taking a lower salary, the team saved ₹10-15 crore. This move allows CSK more budget flexibility to bid for top players in the auction, a decision Kaif believes was influenced by the emotional desire to see Dhoni play another season.
“CSK have played really well. They have saved 10-15 crores. I feel that the way this rule was brought back because we were driven by emotions, and we all really wanted MS Dhoni to play another year…I feel CSK played very smartly there. Yes he is taking less money, but it would allow CSK to buy big names players at the auction,” cricketer-turned-commentator said on JioCinema.
CSK smart move
He also expressed that players who have represented India internationally, like him, shouldn’t be classified under the “uncapped player” rule in the IPL even if they haven’t played recently. He noted that CSK leveraged this rule effectively, allowing fans to enjoy watching Dhoni play another season, which ultimately benefited the Super Kings by enabling them to buy two extra players in the auction.
“I feel whichever player plays for India, I was 36 when I last played an international match for India… now if I get dropped from the team, but continue to have a good IPL run, then I should not have come under the uncapped player rule. These are those players who have not played an international match yet. Yeh toh chal chal di CSK walein bariyan. And they played it so well, because we all became emotional, having git the opportunity to see Dhoni for another year in IPL. I feel CSK got the advantage of buying two extra players at the auction,” he added.
Also READ: IPL 2025 Retention: LIVE Updates | Players retained and RTM cards left
All IPL teams finalize retention list ahead of auction
In the lead-up to the IPL 2025 auction, which is set to take place in Riyadh on November 24 and 25, all ten IPL franchises have released their official retention lists. With each team making strategic choices on player retention, the auction promises intense bidding wars as franchises vie for marquee players. This year’s auction marks the first-ever IPL event in Riyadh, underscoring the league’s growing global footprint.
The 10 franchises – Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sunrisers Hyderabad – have all confirmed their retained players, setting the stage for a blockbuster auction event.
CSK’s retention list
Ruturaj Gaikwad (₹18 crore), Matheesha Pathirana(₹13 crore), Shivam Dube (₹12 crore), Ravindra Jadeja(₹18 crore), MS Dhoni(₹4 crore)
Also READ: IPL 2025 Retention: Complete list of players retained with their price
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