MS Dhoni Smiles as Ravi Shastri Calls Him ‘Uncapped’ Player on Captaincy Return
The return of MS Dhoni as the captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025 has been met with excitement and nostalgia. The veteran wicket-keeper batsman took over the reins of the team after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the tournament due to injury. In a pre-match press conference ahead of the CSK-Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) match, Dhoni was referred to as an “uncapped” player by Ravi Shastri, the former Indian head coach.
The comment was made during the toss, where Shastri was commentating for the match alongside Harsha Bhogle. Shastri’s remark was met with a smile from Dhoni, who has been a stalwart of Indian cricket for over two decades. The “uncapped” tag is ironic, given Dhoni’s illustrious career, which includes two World Cup titles, a Champions Trophy, and numerous other accolades.
Dhoni’s return as CSK captain was made possible due to the uncapped player rule, which allows teams to retain internationally retired players for a fixed amount. The rule was introduced to give teams more flexibility in the player retention process. CSK retained Dhoni ahead of the mega auction for ₹4 crore, a move that was widely praised by fans and experts alike.
The “uncapped” label is a reference to the fact that Dhoni is no longer an active player in international cricket. He retired from international cricket in 2020, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned 16 years. However, his experience and expertise continue to be valuable assets for CSK, and his return as captain was seen as a boost to the team’s chances in the tournament.
Dhoni’s leadership skills are well-documented, and his success as CSK captain is a testament to his ability to motivate and inspire his teammates. Under his leadership, CSK has won four IPL titles, and he has consistently been one of the most successful captains in the history of the tournament.
The return of Dhoni as CSK captain has also sparked nostalgia among fans, who are reminiscing about his early days as a player. Dhoni made his international debut in 2004 and quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young players in the world. His journey from a relatively unknown player to a global superstar is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
In his playing days, Dhoni was known for his calm and composed demeanor, which earned him the nickname “Captain Cool.” His ability to stay calm under pressure is a trait that has served him well in his career, both as a player and as a captain. His calmness has also been an inspiration to his teammates, who have often spoken about the positive impact he has had on their careers.
Dhoni’s return as CSK captain has also raised questions about his future plans in cricket. While he has ruled out a comeback to international cricket, he has not completely ruled out playing in the IPL. His decision to return as CSK captain suggests that he is still keen on playing the game, and his experience and expertise will continue to be valuable assets for the team.
In conclusion, MS Dhoni’s return as CSK captain is a welcome development for fans of the team and Indian cricket in general. His experience and leadership skills are invaluable assets for the team, and his calm and composed demeanor is an inspiration to his teammates. The “uncapped” label may be ironic, but it is a reminder of Dhoni’s remarkable career and his continued importance to the team.
