IPL 2025: Which players will get their salary cut due to the new IPL rules, Dhoni is not the only one who will be affected 

Vilas Dhadke
13 Min Read
  • IPL 2025: MS Dhoni will not be the only player to return as an uncapped player for IPL 2025, but there are many legends in this list.
IPL 2025
MS Dhoni
Source: X/Twitter

IPL 2025 Uncapped Retain Players:

Rules have been issued regarding the retention of players before the mega auction for IPL 2025. These rules were announced by the IPL Governing Council on 28 September. The rule of ‘uncapped’ players in the IPL rules caught everyone’s attention, about which it was being said that this rule has been brought for MS Dhoni, but apart from Dhoni, there are many other Indian players who will be kept in the list of uncapped players and their salary may be cut. 

The list of uncapped players will include those players who have not played any international match in the last five years. Before the mega auction, teams can retain uncapped players for Rs 4 crore. According to reports, a team has to spend at least Rs 11 crore to retain a capped player. So let’s know which players in the list of uncapped players apart from Dhoni can have their salaries cut. 

1 Vijay Shankar 

Vijay Shankar was seen playing for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024. Vijay, who played his last match for Team India in 2019, will be available to be retained like uncapped players in IPL 2025.

2- Amit Mishra

Amit Mishra played his last match for the Indian team in 2017. In the 2024 IPL, the Indian spinner was seen playing for Lucknow Super Giants. Before this mega auction, Amit Mishra will also be available to be retained as an uncapped player. However, the chances of him being retained are very low. 

3- Sandeep Sharma

Sandeep has also played for Team India. He played his last international match in 2015. Sandeep was a part of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024. Sandeep will also be available to be retained as an uncapped player this time. 

4. Mayank Markande 

Leg spinner Mayank Markande played his last match for Team India in 2019. He was seen playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024. Mayank will also be included in the list of uncapped returning players. 

5- Karan Sharma 

Karn Sharma, who played his last match for Team India in 2014, was seen playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2024. Karn will also be available for retention as an uncapped player. 

6- Mohit Sharma

Mohit Sharma played his last match for Team India in 2015. Mohit was a part of Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024. In such a situation, Mohit will also be available for retention as an uncapped player. 

7- Piyush Chawla

Piyush Chawla was seen playing for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. Piyush played his last match for Team India in 2012. In this sense, Piyush will also be available for retention as an uncapped player before the mega auction of IPL 2025. 

8- Rishi Dhawan

Rishi Dhawan, who is part of Punjab Kings in IPL 2024, played his last match for Team India in 2016. In this way, Rishi Dhawan will also be available for retention as an uncapped player before the mega auction of IPL 2025.  

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a lucrative platform for cricketers, but with the introduction of new rules for the 2025 season, some of the league’s biggest names, including the legendary MS Dhoni, could face significant salary cuts. The IPL Governing Council recently introduced salary cap adjustments and performance-based pay structures, and the changes are likely to affect several high-profile players across the league.

In this blog, we take a closer look at the new IPL rules, how they impact player salaries, and which top players could see their paychecks reduced under the new system.

The New Salary Rules in IPL 2025

The IPL 2025 season will witness a new set of rules aimed at balancing team finances, managing the salary cap, and encouraging franchises to focus on emerging talent. These new guidelines are designed to ensure that teams can manage their budgets better while maintaining the competitive spirit of the league.

Here are the key aspects of the new rules:

  1. Revised Salary Cap: The total salary cap for teams has been reduced slightly, with a greater focus on capping senior players’ salaries to make room for young talent.
  2. Performance-Based Pay: One of the biggest changes is the shift toward performance-based salaries. Players who are not performing consistently or are nearing the end of their careers may see a reduction in their guaranteed salaries, with bonuses and incentives tied to their on-field contributions.
  3. Age-Based Pay Cuts: Players over a certain age or nearing retirement may face pay cuts as teams look to invest in the next generation of cricketers. This rule is likely to affect veterans who are still playing at the IPL level.
  4. Budget Allocation for Emerging Talent: Teams are required to allocate a significant portion of their salary cap to young and emerging players, creating more opportunities for uncapped or under-25 players to shine.

Players Who Could See Salary Cuts in 2025

While the new rules aim to promote young talent, they are expected to impact several senior players, including some of the biggest names in IPL history. Here are the top players who could face salary reductions:

MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings)

As one of the greatest captains and wicket-keepers in IPL history, MS Dhoni has been the face of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for over a decade. However, with Dhoni now in the twilight of his career and contemplating retirement, the new rules could see a significant reduction in his salary. While Dhoni’s leadership and legacy are unmatched, his playing time and on-field contributions have diminished in recent seasons.

Under the new performance-based structure, Dhoni could see a cut in his guaranteed salary, with incentives tied to his role as captain and his performance on the field. However, his off-field value to CSK and his massive fan following may ensure that he still commands a substantial contract, albeit smaller than previous years.

Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians)

Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI), is another player who could be impacted by the new rules. Although Rohit remains a top-tier player and a successful leader, age and inconsistent performances in recent seasons may lead to a salary adjustment.

Rohit is still one of the most valuable assets for MI, but with the focus shifting to younger talent, his guaranteed salary could take a hit. Like Dhoni, Rohit’s earnings may now depend more on his on-field performances and team success, with incentives playing a major role in his contract.

Dinesh Karthik (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Dinesh Karthik, a seasoned wicket-keeper and batsman, has been an IPL mainstay for years. Currently playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Karthik’s role has evolved into more of a finisher and mentor. However, with his advancing age and recent dips in form, Karthik is one of the players most likely to face a salary reduction under the new age-based pay cuts.

Karthik’s value to RCB has been more as a steady hand in crucial moments, but with the new rules in place, RCB may look to reduce his salary and focus on bringing in younger players to groom as future leaders.

Shikhar Dhawan (Punjab Kings)

Shikhar Dhawan, currently captaining Punjab Kings, is another senior player who could be affected by the salary cap changes. Dhawan has been consistent in recent years but is also one of the oldest players in the league. With the new rules rewarding younger and emerging talent, Dhawan could see a reduction in his guaranteed pay, especially if his performance dips during the upcoming seasons.

Dhawan’s leadership role might help him maintain a decent contract, but his future earnings in the IPL may depend on how well he continues to perform as both a batsman and a mentor to young players.

Ravichandran Ashwin (Rajasthan Royals)

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most successful spin bowlers, currently plays for Rajasthan Royals. Known for his clever bowling and tactical acumen, Ashwin has remained an important figure in the IPL. However, as he ages, Ashwin may also face a salary cut due to the new rules, especially if younger spin-bowling options emerge.

Ashwin’s contributions as a bowler and his ability to guide younger players may still see him earning a respectable contract, but the financial landscape for veteran players is shifting in favor of performance-based deals.

Ajinkya Rahane (Chennai Super Kings)

Ajinkya Rahane’s IPL journey has been a mix of highs and lows. While he has been a reliable top-order batsman in the past, his role has been limited in recent seasons. Currently playing for Chennai Super Kings, Rahane may see a reduction in his salary due to his age and inconsistent performances.

Under the new rules, franchises like CSK may opt to invest in younger talent for the future, which could push senior players like Rahane to accept lower salaries or face the possibility of not being retained.

Why Are These Changes Happening?

The new IPL salary rules are designed to create a more sustainable financial model for teams while giving younger players a chance to shine. The league is becoming increasingly competitive, and franchises are eager to strike a balance between experience and youth.

Teams are also looking to avoid overpaying aging players who may no longer be performing at their peak. By introducing performance-based contracts and focusing on emerging talent, the IPL aims to remain the premier T20 league globally, attracting top talent from around the world.

Conclusion

The IPL’s new salary rules for the 2025 season mark a significant shift in how teams approach player contracts. While legends like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Shikhar Dhawan have enjoyed stellar careers with massive paychecks, the focus is now on youth and performance. Senior players may have to accept reduced salaries unless they continue to perform at a high level or take on leadership and mentorship roles within their teams.

As the IPL evolves, the emphasis on emerging talent will only grow, and the next generation of cricketers will have more opportunities to shine on the world’s biggest T20 stage.

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