- Uncapped Players: The uncapped player rule has returned in IPL 2025. It is being said that this rule has returned because of Dhoni. Apart from Dhoni, many other players can also be included in this list.
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IPL 2025 Uncapped Players Rules MS Dhoni:
Ever since the IPL announced the rules for the 2025-27 cycle, there has been a discussion about MS Dhoni. It is being said that the rule of ‘uncapped’ player has been kept only because of Dhoni.
According to this rule, a player who has not played international cricket for 5 years or more will be placed in the uncapped category. So let’s know which other Indian players apart from Dhoni who have played international cricket can be included as uncapped players.
1. Vijay Shankar
Vijay Shankar, who played the 2019 ODI World Cup for India, can also be included in the list of uncapped players. Vijay played his last international match in June 2019. Shankar was seen playing for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024.
2- Amit Mishra
Team India’s spinner Amit Mishra played his last international match in 2017. In IPL 2024, the Indian spinner was seen playing for Lucknow Super Giants.
3- Mohit Sharma
Indian fast bowler Mohit Sharma played his last international match in 2015. Mohit was seen playing for Gujarat Titans in the 2024 IPL.
4- Sandeep Sharma
Fast bowler Sandeep Sharma played only 2 T20 International matches for Team India. He played his last international match in 2015. Sandeep was seen playing for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024.
5- Piyush Chawla
Spinner Piyush Chawla, who has played all three formats for India, played his last international match in 2012. Piyush was seen playing for Mumbai Indians in the 2024 IPL.
6- Rishi Dhawan
Fast bowler Rishi Dhawan played his last international match in 2016. Rishi was seen playing for Punjab Kings in IPL 2024.
It is worth noting that there are other players in this list. Only 6 players have been discussed here.
As the IPL 2025 season draws closer, one major question looming over fans and franchises alike is the status of some of the league’s most iconic players. With the possibility of a major shakeup due to retirements, player availability, and changes in team compositions, speculations are rife about whether several big names, including MS Dhoni, could become “uncapped” players in the upcoming season. While Dhoni’s future with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has been a topic of intense debate, other IPL legends may also face similar transitions as we head into IPL 2025.
What Does It Mean to Be “Uncapped” in the IPL?
In IPL terminology, “uncapped” players refer to those who haven’t represented the Indian national cricket team in any format (Tests, ODIs, or T20Is). However, in the case of veteran players like MS Dhoni and other potential retirees, the term “uncapped” is being used colloquially to refer to players who may not be retained by their respective franchises ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction due to various factors like retirement, team dynamics, or shifting roles within their teams.
Let’s take a closer look at the legendary players who might join the ‘uncapped’ ranks in the IPL 2025 season.
7. MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings)
Arguably the biggest name in the history of the IPL, MS Dhoni has been the heart and soul of Chennai Super Kings since the league’s inception. The 2023 IPL season saw Dhoni continue to lead CSK to success, further cementing his legacy as one of the best captains in T20 cricket. However, at 43, Dhoni has been hinting at retirement, and many believe IPL 2024 could be his swan song.
If Dhoni does step away from playing, CSK will face the daunting task of rebuilding their squad without their iconic leader. While Dhoni may not officially be “uncapped” in the traditional sense, the IPL may witness an end of an era if he chooses to step down.
8. Dwayne Bravo (Retired, Former Chennai Super Kings)
Dwayne Bravo, the charismatic all-rounder from the West Indies, retired from IPL cricket after the 2022 season. A key player for CSK over the years, Bravo holds the record for the most wickets in the history of the league. While Bravo continues to be associated with CSK as a bowling coach, his playing days in the IPL are over, making him an “uncapped” player in a symbolic sense.
Bravo’s presence on the field is sorely missed by fans, and though his leadership behind the scenes is invaluable, the absence of his on-field charisma and match-winning abilities adds to the void that Dhoni might leave behind.
9. Amit Mishra (Lucknow Super Giants)
Amit Mishra, one of the most successful spinners in IPL history, is another player whose future in the tournament seems uncertain. At 41, Mishra has defied age with his consistency and craft, but questions about his retention by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for IPL 2025 remain. With younger spinners making a mark, franchises may look towards newer faces, which could make Mishra an “uncapped” player next season.
If this is Mishra’s last IPL, he leaves behind an enviable legacy with his brilliant performances, including his record of three hat-tricks in the tournament.
10. Shikhar Dhawan (Punjab Kings)
Shikhar Dhawan has been one of the most consistent performers in the IPL, known for his flamboyant batting and reliability at the top of the order. Currently leading Punjab Kings, Dhawan continues to be a crucial player, but at 38, age and form may play a role in his future with the franchise. With Punjab Kings likely to undergo a rebuild, Dhawan’s status ahead of the 2025 season remains uncertain.
Should Dhawan become an “uncapped” player in 2025, it would be the end of an illustrious IPL career that saw him as one of the tournament’s most prolific run-scorers.
11. Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians)
Kieron Pollard, the explosive West Indian all-rounder, has been an integral part of Mumbai Indians’ success over the years. While Pollard retired from IPL cricket after the 2022 season, his shadow looms large over MI’s future. Pollard transitioned to a mentor role for the franchise, and while his on-field presence is missed, the IPL is now moving into a new era without the big-hitting prowess of the Caribbean star.
Pollard’s name may never be forgotten in the IPL, but he, too, joins the list of former legends who have become “uncapped” in a figurative sense.
12. Ravichandran Ashwin (Rajasthan Royals)
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s finest off-spinners, continues to play a significant role in the IPL, representing Rajasthan Royals. However, as Ashwin approaches his late 30s, questions about his future in the tournament are beginning to surface. With Rajasthan Royals focusing on younger players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag, the team might look to move on from Ashwin to create a new balance for the future.
If Ashwin doesn’t feature in IPL 2025, it will mark the end of a remarkable IPL career filled with strategic brilliance and memorable performances.
13. Faf du Plessis (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Faf du Plessis has been a rock at the top of the order for Royal Challengers Bangalore, captaining the team since 2022. However, Faf, at 40, may be approaching the twilight of his IPL career. While his fitness and batting have been commendable, RCB could consider new leadership and younger batting options for the 2025 season. If du Plessis steps down as a player, he might join the list of IPL legends transitioning to other roles in the sport.
Should RCB move on from du Plessis, it could signal a significant shift in their team structure.
The Future of IPL Legends
The 2025 season could mark a pivotal year for the IPL, where we may witness the end of an era for several legends. As teams shift their focus to younger talent, the league will undoubtedly miss the contributions of these iconic players. However, the impact they’ve made on the IPL, as well as their lasting legacy, will remain a crucial part of the tournament’s history.
While these legends may become “uncapped” in a formal sense, their influence on the game, the fans, and future generations of cricketers will remain forever etched in IPL folklore.
Conclusion
As IPL 2025 approaches, fans and franchises alike must prepare for the possibility of bidding farewell to some of the biggest names the tournament has ever seen. From MS Dhoni to Shikhar Dhawan and Faf du Plessis, these legends have given their all to the league and inspired countless players and fans. Their departure may be bittersweet, but the IPL will continue to evolve, with new stars stepping up to carry the torch forward.
The question remains: Will we witness a new wave of cricketing icons, or will the absence of these legends create an irreplaceable void in the IPL’s heart? Only time will tell.
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