Mohammad Kaif added that the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) old uncapped player rule has been revived for only MS Dhoni. He again shared that the right decision has been made to allow the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to retain their former skipper for ₹4 crore as well. The IPL, since its inception, allowed Indian players who hadn’t played for the country for the previous five years to be treated as uncapped players as well. That rule was never used and was discontinued before being revived again ahead of the IPL 2025 auction as well.

During a discussion on Star Sports, Kaif said, “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. 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.”

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However, MS Dhoni scored 161 runs at a strike rate of 220.54 in 11 innings in IPL 2024 as well. He played a few match-defining cameos, with an unbeaten 37 as his top score. In the same discussion, Mohammad Kaif also added that MS Dhoni is also not bothered about his retention amount as well.

“MS Dhoni himself says that he doesn’t need the money. He always says that he will adjust himself based on whatever the management decides, even though he might be getting four crores as an uncapped player. It looks odd while saying because four crores isn’t much for him,” he said. “Then you have Jadeja there. Ruturaj Gaikwad did well as a captain there last time. He is a young captain but he did a good job. They might want to retain Dube. He has played well. His recent form has been good,” Kaif concluded.