Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni will be the first on the retention list of the franchise at the mega-auction ahead of IPL 2022, confirmed a CSK official. Dhoni's future with the franchise as a player was in doubt after the end of this cycle (2018-2021).
Even Dhoni himself had not confirmed whether he will continue to be in the side or not, as BCCI is planning to bring two new IPL franchises and there might be a change in the retention policy.
Speaking to ANI, a CSK official said the first retention card will be used on Dhoni and he assured the CSK skipper will be back in IPL 15. "There will be retention and that is a fact. The number of retentions isn't something we are aware of yet. But honestly, that is secondary in MS' case because the first card will be used for him. The ship needs its captain and rest assured he will be back next year," the official said.
Dhoni recently led Super Kings to their fourth IPL title win. They defeated Kolkata Knight Riders in the final to make a strong comeback after finishing 7th in the IPL 2020.
When Harsha Bhogle had asked the 40-year-old about his availability for the next season, Dhoni had clearly said it all depends on BCCI. "Again I've said it before, it depends on BCCI. With two new teams coming in, we have to decide what is good for CSK. It's not about me being there in top-three or four," he said.
CSK backs their players and doesn't like to make too many changes. They would be looking to build a strong squad in the mega-auction who could stay with them for another decade.
"It's about making a strong core to ensure the franchise doesn't suffer. The core group, we have to have a hard look to see who can contribute for the next 10 years," Dhoni added after the IPL 14 final.
(With ANI Inputs)
