In a significant move ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, MS Dhoni and Sandeep Sharma have been retained by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) respectively as uncapped players. This decision underscores the franchises’ recognition of the enduring value of experienced players.
Dhoni’s Return to CSK
MS Dhoni, the legendary former captain of the Indian cricket team, has been retained by CSK for ₹4 crore. Following his retirement from international cricket in August 2020, Dhoni qualified as an uncapped player, allowing CSK to secure him under this new classification. There had been widespread speculation regarding Dhoni’s participation in the upcoming season, but his retention solidifies his role as a pivotal figure in the franchise, which he has led to six IPL titles.
Sandeep Sharma’s Continued Impact
Sandeep Sharma, who has emerged as a vital asset for the Rajasthan Royals, has also been retained as their sixth option. Despite not having played for the national team since 2015, the 31-year-old has made a significant impact in recent IPL seasons. His performance in 2023 and 2024 has solidified his reputation as a specialist in the slog overs, taking 23 wickets over the two seasons at an impressive economy rate of 8.4.
Understanding the Uncapped Player Rule
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reintroduced the ‘uncapped player’ rule for IPL 2025, which was last implemented before 2021. This rule applies to Indian players who have not played international cricket in the past five years or do not hold a central contract, allowing franchises to retain them at a base price of ₹4 lakh.
CSK and RR’s Retention Strategies
CSK has utilized this rule effectively, retaining key players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, and Ravindra Jadeja, alongside Dhoni. With five players retained, CSK has a total of ₹65 crore allocated from their ₹120 crore purse, leaving them with ₹55 crore to build their squad.
Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Royals have retained six key players, including captain Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, and Shimron Hetmyer. With these players secured, RR has a remaining auction purse of ₹41 crore, along with Right To Match options for the mega auction.
Sandeep’s Career Revival
Sandeep Sharma’s resurgence in IPL has sparked discussions about his potential return to the Indian T20I setup. His notable performances, particularly in death overs, have not gone unnoticed, and he recorded 13 wickets in IPL 2024 with an economy rate of 8.18, further solidifying his position in the league.
