CSK have a chance to retain Dhoni for just Rs 4 crores a season.
On the eve of the IPL 2024 opener, MS Dhoni stepped down as CSK captain, handing over the leadership baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Many experts believe that it was his last IPL season, but the 43-year-old has kept his cards close to chest.
Meanwhile, the BCCI on Saturday (September 28) unveiled retention rules for the IPL 2025 season last week, as per which, CSK will be able to retain Dhoni for INR 4 crore.
In a significant announcement, the BCCI listed that the Indian players, who hadn't played any international game for at least five calendar years would be considered an uncapped player.
Notably, Dhoni retired from all formats of international cricket in August 2020 but the wicketkeeper-batter played his last match for India in July 2019.
However, the five-time champions are still unsure about utilizing the rule to keep the 43-year-old in their midst.
In an exclusive chat with TOI, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan stressed that the rule was always there.
"We are not sure at this stage. We might not even use it for MS Dhoni. It's still too early to comment on this because we haven't had discussions with him," said Kasi.
"Dhoni was in the US and we haven't had discussions yet. Now I am travelling this week so there is a possibility of some discussions in the coming week. So there could be some clarity then. We are hopeful of him playing but it's a call Dhoni will himself take," he added.
Earlier, MS Dhoni had said that he would take a call on his future after the retention rules are announced.
Talking about the retention rules, each of the 10 IPL teams can retain up to six cricketers, with no restriction on nationality and including one uncapped cricketer. Besides, the Right to Match (RTM) card option has been reintroduced.
The first three retentions will see the auction purse - finalised at Rs 120 crore for a team - being reduced by Rs 18 crore, Rs 14 crore and Rs 11 crore, respectively. However, the two other additional retentions will cost more than the third. The fourth and the fifth retentions will see a reduction of Rs 18 crore and Rs 14 crore, respectively.
It means a team will see its auction purse reduced by a whopping Rs 75 crore on five players, with only Rs 45 crore left in its kitty for the IPL auction.