MS-Dhoni

Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL

In a major development, a CSK official has revealed that the first retention card at the upcoming IPL 2022 auction will be used to retain MS Dhoni, the long-standing captain of the franchise. MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings lifted their fourth IPL title on Friday with a 27-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders in the final at the Dubai International Stadium. Notably, Chennai had become the first team to get eliminated from the playoffs in IPL 2020. However, MS Dhoni masterminded a successful comeback for CSK and led them to their fourth IPL title.

There were doubts in the minds of the fans whether Dhoni will continue to be around in Yellow. However, the CSK official has made it clear that the veteran wicket-keeper will be back at CSK for IPL 2022.

The ship needs its captain and rest assured Dhoni will be back next year: CSK official

Speaking to ANI, a CSK official said, "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.

Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle had even asked Dhoni the same question at the post-match presentation. Dhoni, initially, did not give a straightforward answer. He had said that the CSK team management needed to decide whether they can build a core group keeping in mind the next 10 years. When Bhogle proceeded to congratulate him on the great legacy he is leaving behind at CSK, MSD chipped in with a cheeky smile as he replied, "Still I haven't left behind."