Before the IPL retentions were announced on October 31, the big question was, ‘will MS Dhoni be retained by CSK’? Now once MSD has been included for another season, the next question is ‘For how long will he continue to play in the IPL’? While only the man himself is the best person to answer, CEO Kasi Viswanathan’s recent statement has instilled the belief, that the former is good for a few more.
Dhoni to Stay at CSK
Speaking with Ambati Rayudu on Provoke TV, Viswanathan said that Dhoni will take the “right decision”. It must be reminded to the fans that the 43-year-old was retained by the team as an uncapped player for INR 4 Cr, and usually, if a player is retained before the mega auction,; they usually are in team’s plan for at least three years.
First Ambati Rayudu said, “As far as Mahi bhai (brother) is concerned, you know he keeps everything to himself. It comes out at the last moment only. Knowing the passion he has for CSK, and also knowing the following he has, and he also mentioned in one of the interviews that he’ll play his last game in Chennai, we’re hoping that he will continue as far as CSK is concerned.
To this, the CSK CEO replied, “As long as MS wants to play, the doors are open. Knowing him, his commitment, and his dedication, I’m sure he’ll always take the right decision.” A few days back, MS Dhoni had opened up about his future at an event in Goa.
IPL Auction
“I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play, like when we used to go out to play at 4 pm during our childhood, simply enjoying the game. But in professional sport, it becomes challenging to enjoy it as just a game. There are emotions and commitments, but I want to enjoy it for the next few years,” Dhoni said.
In IPL 2024, while CSK struggled to qualify for the playoffs, Dhoni was excellent in the entire tournament, hitting 161 runs at a strike rate of 220.
