Chennai Super Kings can retain MS Dhoni for ₹4 crore heading into the new season. The news comes as the BCCI has opted to introduce the uncapped players rule, that allows players who haven’t featured for the national team, or those who have been away from international cricket for five or more years to be retained for a lower fee.

The legendary Indian skipper’s last fixture for India was in the semifinals of the 2019 World Cup against New Zealand. And having not been a part of the Blues for five years now, Dhoni can be considered an uncapped player by the rules.

MS Dhoni to be retained by CSK under uncapped player rules

MS Dhoni Will Be Available!🔥💛7️⃣ pic.twitter.com/UBj92czORs
— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) September 28, 2024

The veteran has been the face of the franchise for 16 years now. He was bought in the first auction in 2008, and has remained the most popular figure in the team ever since. Provided he decides to continue in IPL 2025, Dhoni will be heading into a 17th season in yellow.

The BCCI has ruled that IPL teams can retain up to six players. However, at least one has to be an uncapped player. As a result, CSK have found a convenient way to keep their top star without having to head into the auction.

With an expanded purse of ₹120 crore, it now remains to be seen how the team goes about building their squad.