Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has revealed that the IPL retention cap was raised to INR 4 crore specifically to accommodate MS Dhoni, who became an uncapped player ahead of the last auction. In his column for Sportstar, Gavaskar criticized the lack of hunger among several high-priced players in IPL 2025 and expressed concern over their impact on Indian cricket. He also pointed out that many uncapped players have failed to justify their massive price tags, stating that they often perform better when the pressure of a high price is removed. CSK’s poor performance this season has only intensified the debate.
Sunil Gavaskar Claims Retention Cap Was Raised to Accommodate MS Dhoni
Former Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar has sparked fresh debate by revealing that the IPL retention price cap was raised to INR 4 crore specifically to accommodate MS Dhoni, who had become an uncapped player before the last auction. In a column for Sportstar, Gavaskar criticized the performance of several high-priced players in IPL 2025, suggesting many lose their hunger after securing big deals. He argued that while franchises might release them without worry, Indian cricket suffers when such talents underperform or fade away.
Highlighting the struggles of Chennai Super Kings this season, Sunil Gavaskar noted that even Dhoni hasn’t been able to turn things around for the franchise. He also pointed out that uncapped players with hefty price tags often fail to live up to expectations. “It’s hard to recall an uncapped player bought for huge numbers who justified his inclusion,” he stated, adding that performance often improves once the financial pressure is lifted. Gavaskar’s remarks underline the growing concerns about the balance between commercial success and cricketing development in the IPL.
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