'Dhoni will play as long as he wants," Mohammad Kaif praises IPL rule adjustment

MS Dhoni is set to continue playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), thanks to a rule change by the IPL Governing Council. 

The reintroduction of the Uncapped Player rule allows any Indian player who hasn't played international cricket in the last five years to be classified as uncapped. Dhoni fits this requirement since his last international match was in July 2019.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif expressed his excitement about Dhoni’s return, saying that as long as Dhoni wants to play, the rules will keep evolving to accommodate him. 

"You will get the chance to see MS Dhoni again. He is fit, batting at a strike rate of 200, keeping well, and that is why I believe the rules will keep changing till he wants to play. If he wants to play in the IPL, he will play. He is such a big player, such a big match-winner, and has been a leader for CSK," Kaif said.

This rule change also benefits CSK financially. Dhoni, who was retained for INR 12 crore in the 2022 mega auction, will now only cost the franchise INR 4 crore under the new rule. Last season, Dhoni scored 161 runs in 11 innings at an impressive strike rate of 220.54, hitting 14 fours and 11 sixes. Fans are eagerly awaiting his return, which could be his final IPL season.

Kaif added, "I believe the rule has been changed rightly. I believe if he is fit and playing well, why not, change the rule and let him play. Everyone knows the rule has been changed for Dhoni sahab, and why not, you will want to change the rule for a player like Dhoni."

Fans will now get the chance to see their beloved captain back in action for CSK, possibly for one last time.