Why KKR Can’t Retain Sunil Narine As An Uncapped Player Like CSK's MS Dhoni?

Jatin∙ Updated: Sep 29 2024, 2:10 PM | 4 Min Read

Sunil Narine & MS Dhoni [Source: KKR/x.com, IPLT20.com]

The cricketing world was set abuzz when the BCCI announced new rules for the IPL 2025 auction, bringing back a rule that could reshape team strategies. In what has already become a hot topic of discussion, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) find themselves in a favorable position to retain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player, given his absence from international cricket in the past five years.

However, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are not as lucky with Sunil Narine, despite the similarities in his international hiatus. So, why exactly can CSK retain Dhoni in this category, but KKR cannot do the same for Narine? Let’s break it down.

Why Narine Can't Be Uncapped for KKR?

The IPL 2025 auction is set to be a mega-event, with the BCCI raising the franchise purse to ₹120 crore and allowing teams to retain a maximum of six players, including two uncapped stars.

The retention of uncapped players has been given a twist, particularly benefiting those Indian players who have not played international cricket in the last five calendar years. With MS Dhoni last playing for India in 2019, CSK can retain their talisman in the uncapped category, thus securing his services for a bargain ₹4 crore.

But this same advantage doesn't apply to KKR’s long-time warrior, Sunil Narine, despite him also having been absent from international cricket since 2019. The reason?

The IPL's new retention rule applies only to Indian players. For KKR, this means Narine, a non-Indian player, doesn’t fall under the uncapped category, and they will have to dig deep into their pockets to retain him as a capped player.

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The Uncapped Twist – A Blessing in Disguise for CSK

Chennai Super Kings' ability to retain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player is not just a stroke of fortune but a move that could give them a significant advantage. According to the IPL's updated retention rules, a capped Indian player who has not played international cricket in the last five calendar years is eligible to be retained as an uncapped player.

With Dhoni having retired from international duties post-2019, this rule plays directly into CSK's hands, allowing them to rope in 'Thala' at a modest ₹4 crore, giving them more room in their ₹120 crore purse to strengthen other departments.

On the contrary, while KKR would love to avail the same benefit for Sunil Narine, who has not played international cricket since August 2019, the rule applies strictly to Indian players. Narine’s exclusion from West Indies’ national team doesn't make him eligible for uncapped status in the IPL.

The IPL’s statement has made it clear: “A capped Indian player will become uncapped if, in the last five calendar years, the player has not played in the starting XI in International Cricket or does not have a Central Contract with BCCI. This will be applicable for Indian Players only."

For KKR, this is the proverbial fly in the ointment. Though Narine fits the description of a player who hasn’t been on the international scene, his non-Indian status means he remains a capped player. 

Hence, KKR will have to splash out a significant sum, likely more than ₹10 crore, to retain him. Given his crucial contributions to KKR’s title-winning campaign in 2024, including 488 runs at a staggering strike rate of 180.74 and 17 wickets, KKR will undoubtedly break the bank for their star player.

A Tough Pill to Swallow for KKR

KKR’s conundrum is bittersweet. On one hand, Narine’s loyalty to the franchise and his consistent performances make him irreplaceable. On the other hand, retaining him will take a substantial bite out of their auction purse, limiting their spending power elsewhere.

While the franchise might still hold the cards to retain Narine with a salary of ₹14 crore or even ₹18 crore, it’s clear that they won’t have the same financial flexibility that CSK will enjoy with Dhoni’s uncapped status.

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