Only CSK and MS Dhoni to benefit from uncapped player rule in IPL auction?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the IPL auction retention rules ahead of the 2025 edition. The newly minted rules feature many notable changes. With an increase in the auction purse for IPL 2025, the stakes have risen a notch higher in the coveted league. While there are many regulations to take note of, one that caught the attention of fans and the cricket fraternity alike was the revival of the ‘uncapped player’ criteria in the IPL 2025 retention rules.

This rule, which has been discussed for quite a while now, is perceived as a clear move by the board to facilitate MS Dhoni's continuation for another IPL season. However, beyond this overlyt highlighted factor, let’s examine whether the ‘uncapped player criteria’ will work in favor of only MS Dhoni and the Chennai Super Kings.

What is the 'uncapped player criteria' in IPL 2025?

The ‘uncapped player criteria’ was present in the IPL auction rule book during the inaugural season. However, since it did not play any significant role in the IPL auction, it was scrapped in 2021. This criteria has now made a return to the rule book ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Any player who has not played for the national team, or more clearly, who has not earned the national team’s cap for five years or more, is considered an ‘uncapped player’ in the IPL auction.

For the IPL 2025 mega auction, the board has specified that any team can retain up to six players. However, the sixth retention must be an Indian uncapped player. This uncapped player can either be a young talent who has not yet been selected for the Indian national team or a seasoned player who has concluded his international career. The board has set the retention fee for the sixth player at 4 crores, making it a considerably economical choice for the franchise.

How can the uncapped player rule help CSK retain MS Dhoni in IPL auction?

In the context of CSK, the uncapped player criteria seem to provide the perfect opportunity to retain MS Dhoni in their IPL 2025 plans. As of now, MS Dhoni has not announced his retirement from the league. However, the team’s captaincy has already transitioned to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Given that the franchise is looking to build a core team for the IPL 2025 mega auction, it would be a self-destructive move for CSK to retain Dhoni as their first, second, or third pick. Thus, under the uncapped player criteria, CSK has a chance to retain MS Dhoni for just 4 crores, making it an ideal situation for the franchise to keep their legendary former skipper without adversely affecting their auction purse.

IPL teams that can benefit from the rule ahead of the 2025 IPL auction

The IPL governing council has set October 31 as the deadline for teams to announce their retention picks. Moreover, with the IPL auction purse set at 120 crores, the first three retention slots are valued at 18 crores, 14 crores, and 11 crores respectively. If a team, for instance, utilizes all six retention slots, they will spend 79 crores out of the 120 crores available ahead of the mega auction. Thus, if used effectively, the uncapped player criteria can assist many franchises in planning better for the upcoming IPL auction.

1. Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians has been among the most underperforming teams in the IPL over the last few seasons. Veteran players like Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya delivered disappointing performances in IPL 2024. However, one player who shone during this period was Piyush Chawla. The 35-year-old spinner last represented India in 2012. In contrast, for Mumbai, Chawla emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2024 with 11 wickets to his name.

Mumbai Indians will already face significant challenges in the IPL auction proceedings for the upcoming season. The team has star players such as Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ishan Kishan to consider for their retention picks. Amidst this chaos, utilizing the uncapped player criteria provides Mumbai the opportunity to retain their standout performer, Piyush Chawla, for as little as 4 crores in IPL 2025.

2. Gujarat Titans

Similarly, a seasoned pacer has been crucial for the Gujarat Titans in recent IPL editions. Mohit Sharma, who last played for India in 2018, has established himself as the primary fast bowler for Gujarat in the IPL. With 13 wickets to his credit, the 36-year-old Mohit Sharma concluded IPL 2024 as the highest wicket-taker for his team. The uncapped player criteria presents the perfect chance for Gujarat to retain one of their key players without sacrificing any of their top three retention slots.

3. Punjab Kings

Ashutosh Sharma emerged as a top performer, not only for Punjab Kings but across all ten teams in IPL 2024. The batter proved to be a reliable choice for the finishing role in the team. With IPL 2024 serving as an effective portfolio, Ashutosh Sharma could attract lucrative offers in the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, with the uncapped player criteria in place, Punjab Kings can keep Sharma within the team ahead of the IPL auction.