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R Ashwin Opens Up About MS Dhoni's IPL 2025 Prospects: 'That's A Big Question Mark'

Ravichandran Ashwin on MS Dhoni's future [X.com]Ravichandran Ashwin on MS Dhoni's future [X.com]

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India's most celebrated spinners, has sparked intrigue regarding MS Dhoni's future in the IPL. Ashwin recently discussed the possibility of Dhoni participating in the IPL 2025 season as an uncapped player—a topic that has stirred considerable interest among fans and cricketing circles alike.

During a recent BCCI and IPL franchise owners' meeting held in Mumbai on July 31, CSK officials proposed reintroducing a rule that was in place from 2008 to 2021. This rule allowed players retired from international cricket for five or more years to be classified as uncapped players. 

With Dhoni having not played international cricket since 2019, this would technically apply to him. The idea was to enable CSK to retain MS Dhoni at a significantly reduced cost of INR 4 crore, compared to INR 12 crore if he were considered a capped player.

He hasn't played international cricket: Ashwin

However, Ashwin raised an important question on his YouTube channel:

"Will Dhoni play as an uncapped player? That's a big question mark. The point is correct. He hasn't played international cricket for many years. He has retired. So, he is an uncapped player. He is not a capped player. Can a player like Dhoni play as an uncapped player? That is another conversation. Obviously, if someone talks about Dhoni, everyone will talk about it," he said.

While CSK is keen on bringing back this rule, other franchise owners have expressed reservations. Ashwin highlighted this issue, noting the trend of prominent players opting for mini auctions to command premium prices.

Dhoni's recent IPL stint, where he played as a specialist wicketkeeper-batter under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy, ended with the Super Kings missing out on the playoffs.