In what should be music to the ears of millions of fans, M.S. Dhoni has hinted that he will continue to play in the IPL for at least one more year. During a promotional event in Goa on Friday, the former India skipper spoke about wanting to enjoy the last few years of his career, offering the clearest indication that he will continue to don the yellow jersey of Chennai Super Kings.
On Saturday, CSK CEO K.S. Viswanathan all but confirmed that Dhoni’s name will be on the retention list.
“We also saw what he had said in the press conference. When he says he wants to enjoy it for a few more years, what more do we want? We are happy and will sit and discuss with him once he returns to Ranchi on October 28 or 29,” said Viswanathan.
The management will meet virtually with Dhoni, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and head coach Stephen Fleming to chart its auction strategy and retention plans. Besides Dhoni and Ruturaj, Ravindra Jadeja and Matheesha Pathirana will form the core of the five-time champion.
"We know he will always have the best interest of CSK in mind and has the highest regard for Mr N. Srinivasan. We never put pressure on him and will abide by whatever decision he takes,” he added.
Ahead of the mega auction next month, IPL teams must submit the list of players they wish to retain by October 31. According to a new rule, CSK can retain Dhoni as an uncapped player for just Rs 4 crore since the regulations state that a player who hasn’t played international cricket for five years can be considered uncapped.
