Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have decided to retain skipper MS Dhoni for next season of Indian Premier League (IPL). According to a Sports Tak source ahead CSK have decided to go with 40-year-old Dhoni as their captain in next year’s 10-team tournament.
In addition to Dhoni, CSK have retained orange cap holder Ruturaj Gaikwad and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja ahead of the mega auction. Their overseas pick has not been finalised yet. It is likely to be a toss-up between English all-rounders Moeen Ali and Sam Curran.
The retention of Dhoni has also put his retirement speculations at rest. The former Indian skipper had expressed that he wants to play his last match at Chepauk stadium in front of Chennai's home crowd before hanging his boots.
As per rules set by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), an existing franchise can retain upto four players before the auction. It can be a combination of two overseas and two Indian players or just one overseas player and three Indian players. The list is to be submitted to BCCI before November 30.
The surprise exclusion from the CSK side is Suresh Raina who was not at his best in the second phase of the tournament. Raina was benched after an injury as Robin Uthappa played ahead of him. Raina was also not a part of IPL 2020 as he had to return back home from UAE after family tragedy.
