I do feel the uncapped player rule brought back only for MS Dhoni: AB de Villiers

The upcoming IPL mega auction is in the limelight and has got fans and cricket experts buzzing with their views on the latest updates. This has made the debate on possible team compositions way more interesting than it used to be. Especially one such rule which has been stirring the IPL (Indian Premier League) pot has been the terms and conditions laid down by the BCCI (Board of Control in Cricket for India), the term ' uncapped player'.

Notably, the IPL is the biggest cricket festival in India and during the mega event, the former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper, MS Dhoni, often becomes the most talked about cricket star. So much so that every season the legendary player has made his appearance yet there are always speculations about which IPL season will be the last for the CSK stalwart. Hence, going by what the definition of the 'uncapped player' entitles, it seems that the rules have been bent to ensure that the world champion skipper gets to play in the IPL at all costs.

Now in the same vein, the former South Africa legend AB de Villiers unflinchingly put forth his views regarding the new rule and MS Dhoni connection. He hilariously declared that he would Dhoni to play at least till the time he turns 80 years old. Moreover, he also added that IPL without Dhoni was almost unimaginable and that his existence is not just limited to the franchise-based leagues but also he holds a special stature in world cricket.

"I do feel the uncapped player rule brought back only for MS Dhoni and rightfully so we want to see this man play until his 80s. Everywhere you go, you talk about cricket and his name always comes up," said de Villiers on his YouTube channel, 360 degree podcast.

Also Read- IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Six Retentions, RTM comeback confirmed, Impact Player to continue

Uncapped rule and MS Dhoni-CSK connection

Notably, an uncapped player as per the BCCI means that a player who has not been a part of India's playing XI in the last five years or having a central contract with the board will be eligible to be considered as an uncapped player. Hence, given that with six retentions and RTM probabilities, it will be interesting to see how CSK approach the IPL mega auctions and will retain Dhoni or not, under the new rule.