The IPL Governing Council reinstated the previous rule wherein teams can enroll players who have either retired from international cricket or not played for a long time as ‘uncapped’ players. Therefore, through this adjustment, each of the ten IPL franchises will get an opportunity to re-access their retention strategies. These new rules, most observers feel, were just manipulated to fit the legendary MS Dhoni into the game so that he could be retained by the Chennai Super Kings as an uncapped player for a meagre fee of 4 crores. Officially, CSK officials say they have not discussed this with Dhoni, yet former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif seems confident that these new-arranged rules were well-designed to see Dhoni on the field again.

‘MS Dhoni Is Such A Big Player’: Says Mohammad Kaif

“You will get the chance to see MS Dhoni again. He is fit, batting at a strike rate of 200, keeping well, and that is why I believe the rules will keep changing till he wants to play. If he wants to play in the IPL, he will play. He is such a big player, such a big match-winner, and has been a leader for CSK,” said Kaif during a chat on Star Sports.

“I believe the rule has been changed rightly. I believe if he is fit and playing well, why not, change the rule and let him play. Everyone knows the rule has been changed for Dhoni sahab, and why not, you will want to change the rule for a player like Dhoni,” said Kaif

Even though is a very bold statement, but Kaif believes the BCCI had every right to alter the rules.

MS Dhoni IPL Return Still Uncertain

MS Dhoni has been the most successful IPL Captain, he has led CSK towards victory 5 times- in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. Apart from this Dhoni has taken Chennai Super Kings to ten finals in their first 14 IPL seasons. He left captaincy and passed it on to Ruturaj Gaikwad who currently leads CSK. It is still very uncertain whether MS Dhoni will make an appearance in IPL 2025 or not.