By The Future of MS Dhoni in the Indian Premier League Next Year Remains Uncertain
The Chennai Super Kings franchise, including CEO Kasi Viswanathan, remains uncertain about whether MS Dhoni will play in the Indian Premier League next year. “He has not told us anything,” Viswanathan told Cricbuzz. “He does not tell us such things anyway. He just decides.” So, until Dhoni makes an announcement himself, whether he will don the yellow jersey again remains speculative.
Dhoni and the franchise must make a decision by the deadline for announcing retentions, which is expected to be set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) soon. While there is some time before the deadline, it is not much, possibly until November.
Dhoni, who played the season with constant and nagging pain, may have a one-on-one chat with N Srinivasan at some stage. However, during the current season, he is believed to have met the CSK owner only once, although they may have had regular conversations.
Insiders suggest that the big question of whether Dhoni will play or not will depend on his fitness. Despite playing all 14 games and batting in different positions, scoring 161 runs at an average of over 53, Dhoni’s value to CSK and IPL goes beyond the numbers.
What’s in Store for MS Dhoni at CSK in the Future?
Some insiders speculate that Srinivasan has plans for the franchise and there may be a move to delink the franchise from India Cements, the company that owns it. In such a case, Dhoni’s role could change, potentially becoming a mentor if he decides not to play.
Decision-makers at CSK want him to continue. “The way he batted, he can surely continue,” Viswanathan said. “But it will be up to him.” Dhoni hit 13 sixes this season.
If the BCCI allows only four retentions with a maximum of three Indians, CSK’s retentions could include Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja, along with Dhoni if he agrees. Sri Lankan slinger Matheesha Pathirana will not be let go of, a CSK insider confirmed.
The number of retentions and potential Right To Match (RTM) options are subject to speculation and will be discussed with the owners and franchises by the BCCI before a decision is made. Views vary widely among owners, with some wanting as many as eight retentions and some as few as none. It will be some time before Dhoni’s future at Chennai Super Kings is known, but not too long.
