MS Dhoni waiting for revised ‘retention policies’ to decide on IPL future
MS Dhoni waiting for revised ‘retention policies’ to decide on IPL future
Former India great and Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni awaits changes in the revised ‘IPL retention policy’ before taking a final call on his future in the cash-rich league.
Following the much-talked-about governing council meeting late on Wednesday night (July 31) in Mumbai, the BCCI and IPL will come out with the final decision on the players’ retention and the future of the mega auction sooner. Dhoni, who turned 43 in July this year, says he has time and several factors to consider before going public with his decision.
ALSO READ:Pathirana, Madushanka ruled out of India ODIs with injuries as Sri Lanka run out of pace options
"There is a lot of time for it," Dhoni said at an event in Hyderabad, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "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,” he continued.
Meanwhile, the BCCI met IPL franchise owners and other stakeholders to discuss several topics, with the agenda including discussions on the future of the Impact Player rule, which the BCCI introduced in 2022; how many player retentions should happen and how often should a mega auction take place?
Considering MS Dhoni’s age and reflexes, which looks far from diminishing, he used the Impact Player Rule to his advantage in IPL 2024. With the latest reports suggesting that some team owners have urged the board to scrap this rule, Dhoni’s future could hang in limbo.
Time is inching closer
Just before the start of IPL 2024, MS Dhoni relinquished the CSK captaincy, handing over the baton to opener Ruturaj Gaikwad. That step, however, cleared some air over Dhoni’s IPL future, with everyone anticipating the end of his cricketing career.
However, with Dhoni showing a willingness to continue being part of the squad for perhaps one more season, eyeing his record sixth IPL trophy, the chances of him staying around are also there.
In IPL 2024, Dhoni made headlines for smashing humongous sixes, bashing 13 and 14 fours, respectively. His strike rate of 220.54 was enough to keep CSK in the playoff race until they lost an away thriller to bow out of the tournament.
Meanwhile, MS Dhoni is an IPL legend. In 264 contested matches, he scored 5243 runs, striking at over 137. Dhoni had led CSK to joint-most five IPL trophies, last won in 2023.
(With inputs from agencies)
