3 IPL teams who can use the new uncapped player rule to their advantage ft. CSK and RR

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is soon approaching and the announcement of the retention rules by the league's governing council has created a buzz among fans. One retention rule, in particular, could have interesting implications for various teams in the league.

As per the new rule, an Indian player who has not played for the country in the last five years or held a BCCI central contract is considered uncapped and can be retained under the same category.

The uncapped player retention rule was introduced in 2008, but was removed during the 2021 IPL season as no teams availed it. With the rule now coming back, quite a few franchises are expected to use it to their advantage.

On that note, here are the three IPL teams who can use the new uncapped player rule to their advantage ahead of the mega auction.

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3 IPL teams who can use the new uncapped player rule to their advantage

#3 Gujarat Titans

Mohit Sharma made a stellar comeback in the IPL with the Gujarat Titans in the last couple of seasons. He picked up 27 wickets in the 2023 season where they reached their second consecutive final and was their mainstay with the ball. The pacer has been successful with his variations and has been effective with the ball in the death overs for the Titans.

Mohit last played international cricket in 2015 and has never made it back to the Indian side. Therefore, the Gujarat Titans can retain Mohit Sharma as an uncapped player ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

His wealth of experience and performances as a death bowler, in particular, is something Gujarat will definitely want to rely on.

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#2 Rajasthan Royals

Another team that could benefit from this rule and retain one of their key pacers is the Rajasthan Royals. The Royals can look to retain Sandeep Sharma, who has been among the consistent performances in the cash-rich league.

Sandeep has developed his skills over the years to meet the demands of the evolving format. With his ability to swing the ball, he has been a constant wicket-taking bowler.

Having played 127 games in the league, he has picked up 137 wickets. He last played for India in 2015 and therefore, Rajasthan could use the rule to retain him as an uncapped player.

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#1 Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings retaining MS Dhoni as an uncapped player had been in talks even before the rule was officially announced. With the rule now coming in, the Super Kings are widely expected to retain their former skipper.

MS Dhoni has been an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings in every season that they have played, leading them to multiple IPL trophies as well. They can now retain him without much headache. Dhoni's final international outing for India came in 2019 during the ODI World Cup semi-final.

Chennai can thus retain Dhoni as an uncapped player and have his presence in the team.