‌Dhoni awaits mega-auction policy to take call on retirement plans

The 43-year-old has been a crucial part of the Chennai Super Kings franchise since its inception and stands at the fag end of his cricketing career. Two months after an underwhelming season in IPL 2024, Dhoni cleared the air on his retirement stating, "There is a lot of time for it.” 

The rules and regulations for the mega-auction will play an indispensable role in his retirement decision, with the number of retentions allowed as the prime focus.

“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 formalized, I will take a call but needs to be in the best interest of the team,” Dhoni further explained.

As per ESPNcricinfo, it has been learned that the CSK owners wished to include MS Dhoni as an uncapped player for the next season. From 2008-2021, any Indian player who did not play a game for five years could be considered an uncapped player. The wicketkeeper-batter played his last international match in July 2019. Although the law was abandoned ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, a potential reinforcement of the rule could benefit CSK's intention of retaining Dhoni as an uncapped player. 

The IPL franchise owners met at a conference in Mumbai on July 31 over the agenda to discuss impact player rule, number of retentions, etc. The outcome of the meeting will be relayed to the IPL governing council, which will take a final call in the last week of August. 

The India Veteran had already passed the captaincy torch to Ruturaj Gaikwad, days before the IPL 2024 began, and played the role of a six-hitter at the dying end of the innings last season. Dhoni whacked 13 sixes and 14 fours in 73 balls but the Yellow Army narrowly missed out on qualifying for the playoffs due to low net run rate.

Goosebumps!🥵🥵🥵