The biggest beneficiary of the governing council’s decision to reintroduce the uncapped player rule in IPL 2025 could be Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

The former Chennai Super Kings captain has neither committed himself to play in the IPL next season nor has he ruled himself out of the tournament.

“We have time till October 31 to arrive at a decision. So there’s no hurry. Mahi (Dhoni) was overseas (in the US) and I’ve heard he’s back home though I haven’t had the chance to speak to him yet. Once he gets back to us, we will know his plans. He will make his own decision,” CSK chief executive Kasi Viswanathan told The Telegraph on Monday.

It is understood that Dhoni will not be among the maximum of five players that the franchise can retain, a move which will allow them to save a substantial portion of their auction purse.

The uncapped player rule, which started in IPL’s inaugural year in 2008 but was scrapped in 2021, will allow franchises to retain a player for ₹4 crore.

“A capped Indian player will become uncapped, if the player has in the last five calendar years preceding the year in which the relevant season is held, not played in the starting XI in International cricket (Test match, ODI, Twenty20 International) or does not have a central contract with BCCI,” the BCCI said in a media release.

Dhoni, 43, last played an International match at the 2019 ODI World Cup. He had been retained as the second player by CSK for ₹12 crore ahead of the 2022 mega auction. He played the entire last season despite a niggle in his leg, featuring in all 14 games for CSK. He batted at different positions and accumulated 161 runs with a career-best IPL strike rate of 220.55.

Dhoni’s importance to the IPL is beyond the mere numbers that is reflected on the field. His availability for another edition of the IPL benefits not just the team he plays for but also the broadcasters and goes a long way in increasing the significance and gravity of the competition.

He is not just an emotion for the CSK fans, he is their brand. The MA Chidambaram Stadium is packed to capacity every time their favourite ‘Thala’ walks on to the field even for a practice session.

There’s a belief in certain quarters that Dhoni’s more relaxed about the franchise than before. The captaincy transition (Ruturaj Gaikwad) has been smooth and the team has the option of retaining opener Devon Conway, who can double up as a wicketkeeper.

They can also go for a back-up wicketkeeper at the auction considering Dhoni’s fitness status. As of now, the franchise is certain to retain Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja and Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana.

The speculation over Dhoni is unlikely to die down in a hurry. Even if Dhoni stays as an uncapped player, it is almost certain that they will not go for all five retentions. That way the CSK can save their purse for the mega auction.