It's no secret that Shah Rukh Khan has plenty of admiration for MS Dhoni. There was a time when SRK, the co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders wanted to buy MS Dhoni for his franchise, but fate had other ideas. With question marks over Dhoni's future with Chennai Super Kings, Shah Rukh Khan drew parallels between himself and 'Thala'.
The BCCI on Saturday revealed the IPL 2025 retention rules ahead of the upcoming mega auction, expected to take place in November. Amidst the big news that each side will be allowed to retain six players including an uncapped pick, the apex board has revived an old 'uncapped' player rule which comes as a major boost for CSK.
The Yellow Army were hoping to retain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player during IPL 2025, and with the revival of the rule, CSK will be able to keep hold of 'Thala' for a price tag of INR 4 crore.
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"A capped Indian player will become uncapped if the player has, in the last five calendar years preceding the year in which the relevant season is held, not played in the starting XI in international cricket (Test match, ODI, Twenty20 International) or does not have a central contract with BCCI. This will be applicable for Indian players only," the IPL's retention rules informed.
With Dhoni likely to take a big pay cut of 66% for his IPL salary to remain loyal to CSK, Shah Rukh Khan made a rather tongue-in-cheek remark over the legendary wicketkeeper batter.
SRK appeared on an award show along with renowned director-producer Karan Johar. The duo were pulling each other's leg over retirement when the topic of Dhoni's retirement came up. He drew parallels with MS Dhoni saying that even though they're asked to retire, they keep doing the things they love for many many years.
"The biggest thing about legends…unki khasiyat ye hoti hai ki legends ko maalum hota hai, when to stop, when to retire. Like the great Sachin Tendulkar, like Sunil Chhetri—the footballer, like Roger Federer—the great tennis star. They all know when to retire, and I think it’s time you did too. So please go back. Thank you very much,” Shah Rukh Khan told Karan.
WATCH:
Shah Rukh Khan – Legends know when to retire like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Chhetri, Roger FedererKaran Johar – so why don't you retireSRK – Me & Dhoni are different kind of legends, we play 10 IPL after saying noVicky Kaushal – Retirement are for legends, Kings are forever pic.twitter.com/gEeAS48BGN
— sohom (@AwaaraHoon) September 29, 2024
Johar quipped, "By that standard, aur us hisab se aap kyon retire nahi hote,” when SRK laughed and came up with a witty reply, “Actually main doosre kisam ka legendary hoon. Main aur Dhoni ek kisam ke legends hai. Na na kar ke bhi 10 baar IPL khel jaate hai.”
The incident took place at an awards function wherein Vicky Kaushal was also present and he came up with a larger than life remark for SRK, calling him the 'King'.
"Retirement is for legends. Kings are forever," said Vicky.
With the revival of the uncapped player rule, Dhoni will most likely remain with CSK and will play in IPL 2025 season an an uncapped player, but it remains to be seen which other players will the five-time IPL champions decide to retain.