• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Rules Will Keep Changing For Ms Dhoni Shahab Kaif Reacts After Ipls New Retention Policy

'Rules Will Keep Changing For MS Dhoni Shahab' - Kaif Reacts After IPL's New Retention Policy

 Mohammad Kaif defends IPL's uncapped player rule for MS Dhoni (@DhoniRainaTeam/X.com) Mohammad Kaif defends IPL's uncapped player rule for MS Dhoni (@DhoniRainaTeam/X.com)

MS Dhoni is set to continue playing for CSK in the IPL 2025 edition, thanks to the IPL Governing Council's reintroduction of the uncapped player rule. Meanwhile, Mohammad Kaif believes that IPL rules will continue to change in the future till Dhoni desires to play.

MS Dhoni, 43, was believed to have played his final game for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) last year. However, the IPL governing council carved a new pathway for Dhoni to return to CSK at a much lower retention price.

As per the new uncapped player rule introduced, any Indian player who last featured in an international game five years from the start of the next IPL season is eligible to be retained as an uncapped player.

MS Dhoni gets Kaif's backing amid uncapped rule debate

Meanwhile, MS Dhoni, who last donned India colours in 2019, perfectly fits into the bracket. Interestingly, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif wholeheartedly agreed with the theory of the uncapped player rule being introduced solely for MS Dhoni.

"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," Kaif said.

He opined that IPL will continue to give free will to MS and change more rules if needed to allow the former Indian captain to continue his stay in the league. In fact, Kaif added that the uncapped rule was rightly tweaked as MS Dhoni has everything that it takes to be match-winner for CSK even at the age of 43.

"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," he added.

Notably, last season, MS Dhoni impressed with 161 runs in 11 innings at a phenomenal strike rate of 220.54, hitting 14 fours and 11 sixes. 

CSK undecided on retention strategy for MS Dhoni

Meanwhile, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan kept mum on the retention strategy for MS Dhoni now that the uncapped player for retired players is reintroduced. The CEO revealed that since Dhoni is enjoying his vacation in the USA, they haven't discussed anything yet.

It's also possible that CSK might not allot the uncapped player slot to Dhoni at all. The retention policies were revealed just a couple of weeks ago, and CSK has until October 31 to make a decision.