The Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction is approaching, and the fate of MS Dhoni’s participation remains uncertain. The legendary cricketer has not yet announced his retirement, but speculations are rife that he may call it quits after the upcoming season.
Dhoni’s age (43) and recent retirement from international cricket suggest that he is nearing the end of his playing career. Retaining him as a player would consume one of the limited slots available to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise ahead of the auction.
CSK is reportedly seeking the reinstatement of a rule that would allow international players with over five years of retirement to be classified as “uncapped.” This would enable them to retain Dhoni as an “uncapped” player, freeing up a “capped” player slot for another potential talent.
Ravichandran Ashwin, a former CSK teammate of Dhoni, has weighed in on the matter. He believes that Dhoni’s status as an “uncapped” player is technically correct, but questions whether it is appropriate for a player of his caliber to be classified as such.
Dhoni’s future with CSK is further complicated by the team’s recent leadership transition. He stepped down as captain before the start of the 2023 season, handing over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad. While CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs, Gaikwad’s leadership showed promise.
The CSK management faces a difficult decision. Retaining Dhoni as a player would provide stability and experience, but it could also limit their options in the auction. Excluding him would be a tough call, given his legendary status and contributions to the franchise.
The IPL mega auction is scheduled to take place in December 2023. Until then, the uncertainty surrounding Dhoni’s future will continue to cast a shadow over CSK’s preparations for the upcoming season.
