IPL 2018: MS Dhoni is ready to go after R Ashwin in auction

CSK has retained Dhoni, Suresh Raina and R Jadeja in pre-auction retention.

MS Dhoni with R Ashwin | GETTY

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have retained MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja for the upcoming IPL 2018. There were expectations that the franchise will go for R Ashwin over Jadeja; the fact that Ashwin didn't play any T20 in last one year, went against him.

Also, there were rumors that Ashwin will be released by CSK in the upcoming auction. But Dhoni has put breaks on them as he cleared CSK will still go after the off-spinner in the auction. 

"As I have said it is always a tough call. With Ashwin, you know we had done the same thing in the past. We will definitely go for him (Ashwin) in the auction. Ashwin definitely being a local lad, we want a lot of local players to be part of CSK," Dhoni said at a promotional event for India Cements on Friday.

"We have two right-to-match options but having already retained three capped Indians, don't think we can use it. We will have to buy him out in the auction. As of now, it is tough to say, we will get him or him or him," he added.

"Ashwin will come first in the auction for us. But we will have to wait and watch. We will try to get him," he added.

Dhoni also said that they will keep emotions aside while going for the best picks in the auction. The auction will be held at Bengaluru on 27th and 28th January.

"We have made three retentions. One keeper, two batsmen. Two batsmen that can bowl. As of now, it is very difficult to say whom we will get. That is the adaptability factor that we need at the auction table and we need to keep emotions in check," he said.

The former India skipper thanked the fans for their support to the team.

"Our biggest strength has always been the fans. All over wherever we have gone, CSK has got support. Even when we did not play in the IPL in the last two years, the fan base increased.

"There is a lot of excitement among fans about the fact that CSK is back. The fans have over here have literally adopted me, they accept me as their own. I am touched by the admiration and ovation I receive from CSK fans, which will always remain close to my heart," Dhoni said.

Dhoni clarified that CSK's main focus is cricket and they will make sure the players they will go after the ones who have done well in the past for the team.

"We have always made sure that players who have played for CSK, even those who came from other franchises, for whatever reason, have performed well," he noted.

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 19 Jan, 2018

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