MS Dhoni IPL Price [Source: @abhisheky531/X.com]
MS Dhoni is among the most legendary Indian cricket names. He is the sole captain who guided India to three ICC Trophy wins in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
He gained prominence for his sharp wicket-keeping skills, marvellous finishing, calm demeanour and impeccable cricketing mind. Besides international cricket, Dhoni also penned his own success story in IPL.
Representing Chennai Super Kings, he guided the franchise to a record 5 IPL titles as captain, making him one of the most successful skippers in the league's history. According to his stature, Dhoni was paid handsomely in the IPL over the years.
MS Dhoni IPL Auction Price
MS Dhoni IPL Auction Price [Source: @kinetic_karthi/X.com]
MS Dhoni’s Latest IPL Price
MS Dhoni was retained by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the IPL 2025 season at a nominal salary of INR 4 crore. This retention was made possible by a reinstated rule allowing players who haven't played international cricket or held a BCCI central contract in the past five years to be classified as uncapped.
Subsequently, CSK secured Dhoni as an uncapped player, significantly reducing his salary from INR 12 crore in the previous season. This strategic move enabled CSK to allocate more funds for other key players during the mega auction.
MS Dhoni Salary From CSK
MS Dhoni Salary From CSK [Source: @FeelTuner84754/X.com]
Contract Details With CSK
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) retained MS Dhoni for the IPL 2025 season for INR 4 crore, utilising a revised rule that allows players who haven't represented their country in the past five years to be categorised as uncapped.
While this contract is valid for the next three years, Dhoni’s future in IPL is uncertain after the 2025 season. He is 43 years old, with speculations of retirement constantly swirling around him.
Comparison Of MS Dhoni’s Salary Over The Years
Years | Teams | IPL Prices |
---|---|---|
2008-2010 | Chennai Super Kings | INR 6 Cr |
2011-2013 | Chennai Super Kings | INR 8.28 Cr |
2014-2015 | Chennai Super Kings | INR 12.50 Cr |
2016-2017 | Rising Pune Super Giants | INR 12.50 Cr |
2018-2021 | Chennai Super Kings | INR 15 Cr |
2022-2024 | Chennai Super Kings | INR 12 Cr |
2025 | Chennai Super Kings | INR 4 Cr |
MS Dhoni has left an unprecedented legacy in the IPL as he led CSK to 5 IPL titles. Over the last many years he earned the status as one of the league’s most valuable players.
In 2008, Dhoni was the most expensive player in the inaugural IPL auction, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) signing him for INR 6 crore per season. His salary remained unchanged until 2011 when Chennai retained him for INR 8.28 crore.
With the BCCI introducing new retention rules in 2014, Dhoni’s contract was revised to INR 12.5 crore per season, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league.
After CSK's suspension for two years, Dhoni represented Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) in 2016 and 2017, collecting INR 12.5 crore annually before he rejoined CSK in 2018.
From 2018 to 2021, CSK retained Dhoni for INR 15 crore per season, maintaining him as their top-paid player. In 2022, though, he voluntarily accepted a salary reduction, settling for INR 12 crore to enable his team to efficiently utilise their retention purse.
In 2025, a rule change allowed CSK to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player, reducing his salary to INR 4 crore, the lowest of his IPL career. This master stroke allowed Chennai to free up money for other signings and retain their legendary former captain in the process.
MS Dhoni’s Value As A Key Player For CSK
MS Dhoni is still the pillar of strength for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with incomparable leadership, tactical acumen, and calmness under pressure. His capacity to lead youngsters and make strategic calls has been pivotal in the franchise's success.
While Dhoni's role with the bat has become more limited, he still has his finishing ability and instincts as a wicket-keeper. His leadership is what brings the team together, and both players and fans alike will feel confident with him in the CSK fold.
He has led CSK to 5 IPL championships and it is his presence with his experience, and insight, which only Dhoni can bring. It is this awareness and experience that makes him invaluable, whether he is in a mentor's role, as captain, or as a player. No doubt, he is a huge part of CSK's continuing ability to be one of the marquee teams in the IPL.
FAQs abut MS Dhoni IPL Price
Q.1 Will MS Dhoni play IPL 2025?
Answer: Yes, MS Dhoni is playing in the IPL 2025 season. He was retained by Chennai Super Kings for INR 4 crore as an uncapped player.
Q.2 How much did Dhoni get paid for the IPL?
Answer: In IPL 2025, MS Dhoni got an INR 4 crore salary from CSK as he was retained in the uncapped category. Previously, he earned INR 6 crore, INR 8.28 crore, INR 12.5 crore, INR 15 crore and INR 12 crore salary in various IPL seasons from 2008 to 2024.
Q.3 What was the price of Dhoni in 2008 IPL?
Answer: In the inaugural 2008 IPL auction, MS Dhoni was acquired by CSK for $1.5 million, approximately INR 6 crore at the time.
Q.4 Why was CSK banned for 2 years?
Answer: In 2015, the Justice RM Lodha Committee, appointed by India's Supreme Court, suspended the CSK and RR from the IPL for two years due to the involvement of their key officials in illegal betting activities during the 2013 IPL season.