MS Dhoni may not have played any form of competitive cricket since World Cup 2019 but he seems to have no retirement plans for now. While it has been confirmed that he will play IPL 2020 for Chennai Super Kings, a report in The Times of India suggests that he has also informed the franchise that he will be available to play IPL 2021 as well. Although he will ask the franchise to release him, which CSK may not do.
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“There will be a big auction before the 2021 IPL and Dhoni has already told us that he will play the tournament. So there’s no question of his retirement from the T20 version anytime soon,” a CSK source was quoted as saying by TOI.
“He wants to go back to the auction pool for the big auction that will take place ahead of the 2021 season. That will give CSK the option of using the Right-to-Match card to pick him, may be for a lower price. Being the captain he is, Dhoni is ready to sacrifice money for the CSK cause,” the source added.
Dhoni has been the captain of Chennai Super Kings right from the inception of IPL. The former Indian skipper has led CSK to the playoffs in each and every season that the franchise has played. Dhoni undoubtedly also holds a strong fanbase in Chennai and it is unlikely that the franchise will let him go.
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Dhoni was bought by CSK for $1.5 Million in IPL 2008 auction and was retained in the coming seasons. In two seasons that the franchise was banned, Dhoni played for Rising Pune Supergiant but was back as franchise’s first choice retained player – for Rs 15 Crore – ahead of IPL 2018 auction.
His desire to play IPL 2021 hints that veteran cricketer is eyeing the next two T20 World Cups. His form in twin IPLs will be the biggest measure to ascertain whether he will be part of the national squad or not. India head Ravi Shastri had also talked about Dhoni and had said that his IPL form will have a say in his selection.
Dhoni’s absence has been a blessing in disguise as the team management has been testing Rishabh Pant. If he does not retain his spot, there is a Sanju Samson and an Ishan Kishan as well.