Former India all-rounder Rishi Dhawan has announced his retirement from domestic limited-over tournaments after the conclusion of the group stage matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Dhawan, who played three ODIs and a T20I for India in 2016, took the decision after Himachal Pradesh failed to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament. However, the 34-year-old will be available for selection for the remainder of the Ranji Trophy season, starting from January 23. “It’s with a heavy heart, even though I have no regrets, that I’d like to announce my retirement from Indian cricket (Limited over). It’s a sport that has defined my life for the past 20 years,” Dhawan wrote in a social media post.

“This game has given me immeasurable joy and countless memories that will always stay very close to my heart,” he added.

Dhawan, who had led Himachal to their only Hazare title in 2021-22, had a middling run this year, making 196 runs in seven matches at an average of 39.20 with a solitary fifty.

A brisk medium pacer, Dhawan took eight wickets from seven matches this season.

“I want to take a moment to show my gratitude towards the opportunities that were given to me by the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI), Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA), Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders.

“From humble beginnings to representing my nation on the grandest stages, it has been a privilege beyond measure. Cricket has been my passion, and my reason for waking up every morning,” he wrote.

Overall, Dhawan played 134 List A matches and scored 2906 runs, besides taking 186 wickets.

From 135 T20s, Dhawan amassed 1740 runs and 118 wickets.

“I would like to thank all of my coaches, mentors, teammates, and support staff for the valuable contributions you have made to shaping me into the person I am today,” he concluded his post.

In the IPL, Dhawan played for Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians between 2013 and 2024 with limited success. 

The IPL 2025 mega auction retention rules were announced by the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council on Sunday. Alongside the rule that IPL franchises can retain upto a maximum of six players including one uncapped player, there was a twist. An old law – that had been there since 2008 but removed in 2022 – was reinstated ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. This is the law that allows Indian players who haven’t played an international game in more than five years to be retained as ‘uncapped player’.

IPL franchises have to retain a minimum of one uncapped player, at Rs 4 crore, if they choose to keep all six retentions. The Governing Council’s new law opens up the door for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to retain legendary India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for a small amount.

“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 BCCI said in a release.

However, Dhoni isn’t the only player who can be retained in this way. Here is the full list of nine players who have played internationals for India, but can be retained as ‘uncapped’:

Piyush Chawla – Mumbai Indians

The veteran leg-spinner last played for India in 2012, and could be a spin solution for five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians.

Sandeep Sharma – Rajasthan Royals

The pacer showed glimpses of great form during IPL 2024, and can be a smart retention by Rajasthan, who have appointed Rahul Dravid as head coach.

Rishi Dhawan – Punjab Kings

The all-rounder played three ODIs and one T20I for India in 2016, and therefore can be retained as uncapped.

Mayank Markande – Sunrisers Hyderabad

Only 26, spinner Mayank Markande used to be an IPL regular for Mumbai Indians, and can be retained cheaply by Sunrisers.

Vijay Shankar – Gujarat Titans

Once selected for India’s squad in the 2019 World Cup, Vijay Shankar has not played for India since that year.

Mohit Sharma – Gujarat Titans

Like Vijay Shankar, Mohit is also a former World-Cupper for India (2015). Having picked up 40 wickets over the last two IPL seasons, he could be a handy retention.

Amit Mishra – Lucknow Super Giants

The ageless Amit Mishra could be a smart retention by LSG, particularly with the Impact Player rule set to stay.

Karn Sharma – Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Having played just one Test, one T20I and two ODIs for India, he is an ‘uncapped’ retention option for Virat Kohli‘s RCB.

MS Dhoni – Chennai Super Kings

In what is surely a move waiting to happen, Dhoni can be retained by CSK for no more than Rs 4 crore ahead of the 2025 IPL Mega Auction.