Mohammad Kaif Bold Statement: IPL rules will keep changing until MS Dhoni wants to play
Mohammad Kaif, the former Indian cricketer, is named in headlines for his controversial comments regarding the IPL (Indian Premier League) and its rules regarding MS Dhoni. Kaif added, saying IPL rules will continue to be modified as long as Dhoni has the desire to play. He talked about Dhoni’s influence in the league, saying, “If Dhoni wants to be a part of Indian Premier League, surely he will get an opportunity to do so. As Dhoni is a big player and has been a captain for Chennai Super Kings.”
Kaif’s remarks draw attention to the special position that Dhoni holds within the IPL, declaring that the governing bodies are ready to make changes to regulations to benefit him. Also, he said that MS Dhoni’s fitness and performance continue to be strong, which further strengthens the possibility that he could continue playing in future seasons.
Recently, the BCCI announced that all the IPL franchises would be allowed to retain up to six players through direct retentions and using Right to Match (RTM) cards. According to the retention rules and regulations, each team can retain a maximum of two uncapped players and five capped players.
Furthermore, the rule states that a cricketer who retired or hasn’t played all formats of international cricket for more than five years would be considered an uncapped player.
In such conditions, the former Indian captain MS Dhoni, who made his last international appearance in July 2019, could be retained as an uncapped player by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise for the next edition. As a result, MSD, which was retained at a price range of INR 12 crores in the IPL 2022 mega auction, would be allowed to remain in the team for just INR 4 crores.
Mohammad Kaif About MS Dhoni’s Participation in IPL 2025: Rules Will Continue to Change
In a recent interview with Star Sports, Mohammad Kaif made a bold statement that MS Dhoni can play the 18th season of IPL in 2025 as few changes have been made in the rules for him:
“Definitely! We will get an opportunity to watch MS Dhoni back into action. His fitness levels are exceptional, and he bats with a strike rate of 200. Perhaps, this could be the main reason why I strongly believe that the rules will continue to change till the time he wants to play IPL.
The concept is simple. If MSD desires to play in the next IPL season, he will certainly play. He is one such star cricketer. In addition to being the leader for CSK, he has been a huge match-winner for his side.
Yeah, I accept that the rules have been changed for the forthcoming IPL season. My opinion is that if he is completely fit and playing well, then why don’t we change the rule and allow him to play? We all are aware that the rules have been modified for Dhoni Sahab. And why not? The rules will certainly be changed for a reputed player like MS Dhoni.
Earlier, Dhoni himself said that he doesn’t play cricket just to earn more money. Also, he admitted that he would do the best for the team management. Although retaining such a key player for INR 4 Crores seems to be weird, you still have an opportunity to continue using services,” Mohammad Kaif said.
MS Dhoni’s Influence on IPL Rules: Final Opinion
MS Dhoni has a considerable influence on the structure of IPL rules, especially with the “Impact Player” rule in two consecutive seasons in 2023 and 2024. Using this rule, teams can name 5 substitutes, with 1 player being able to replace a player during the match. The impact player rule has made it possible for MS Dhoni to enhance his batting strategy, letting him step in late at position 7 or 8 in the CSK batting order, which is a tactical advantage.
The Impact Player rule has not just broadened Dhoni’s playing career but has also allowed him to once again showcase his strategic brilliance. By taking advantage of this rule, Dhoni chooses when to bat depending on the match’s situation, increasing his impact and contribution to the team.
For example, in the 2024 season, Dhoni played 14 matches and scored 161 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 220.54, smashing 14 fours and 13 sixes. He impressed the entire cricket world by proving that even in his 40s, age is just a number for him and conveys that he isn’t ready to slow down. Along with batting, his wicketkeeping skills were top class and in a few games, fans were able to witness the vintage performance of MSDs.
It is understood that the BCCI altered the retention rule in such a way that the 43-year-old MS Dhoni can continue to play his 18th IPL season. This is what the former Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif strongly believes and accepts the changes as well.
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