CSK suggest change of rules to retain MS Dhoni for upcoming IPL seasons

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are keen on retaining MS Dhoni for the upcoming seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL), even if a few rules are to be changed. In the meeting held by the Board members and the 10 franchises, CSK proposed reintroducing the old rule of picking up one uncapped player per franchise. As per the rule, any player who has retired from international cricket for over five years will be termed an uncapped player.

This rule was scrapped in 2021. Hence, CSK owners approached the Board to bring back the rule, allowing them to retain MS Dhoni in CSK. However, other franchises weren't in favour of the rule. MS Dhoni retired from cricket in 2020, and if BCCI keeps the retention policy to 3-4 players per team, then it will be difficult for CSK to retain MSD.

Earlier in 2022, MS Dhoni was retained by CSK at INR 12 crores after Ravindra Jadeja. Dhoni has already passed on the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, but the franchise wants their best player to stay with them for a longer time. While that might not be possible, they'll have to think of some other way to keep Dhoni in the team for at least 1-2 years more. 

There is a lot of time for it: MS Dhoni

At an event in Hyderabad, MS Dhoni finally spoke about the retention policy and his plans for the upcoming IPL seasons. The 43-year-old star CSK batter said that the decision will be taken in favour of the team and once BCCI makes the retention policy official, he'll come to a certain decision. 

"There is a lot of time for it. We have to see what decision they take on player retention etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court. So, once the rules and regulations get formalised, I will take a call, but needs to be in the best interest of the team," said MS Dhoni at an event.