New Delhi: There is a good news for all MSD lovers. CSK skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is all set to join a new franchise for the next edition of IPL.
Ever since the first IPL season in 2008 started, Mahi and CSK have been complementing each other. But after Chennai Super King’s (CSK) suspension from Indian Premier League (IPL), fans thought that they might not see Dhoni playing again.
According to report in TOI, the wicketkeeper-batsman will end his eight-year association with CSK to play for a new team. Initially, there were reports of him not being part of the cash-rich league.
“Dhoni will definitely feature in the IPL for a new team. There is absolutely no pressure from CSK to stop him and the next edition of the IPL will see him in action,” a source close to the developments was quoted as saying to TOI.
“He (Dhoni) is the Indian captain in ODIs and T20. How can he not play in an important event like the IPL? We won’t say Dhoni’s association with CSK is over, but for now, he will play for some other team,” the source further added.
There has been no decision as to which teams will replace CSK and RR. But rest assured, Dhoni will be the main target for both the new IPL entrants.
Six players from CSK and RR could be slotted into new teams through a draft process, while others could go into the auction pool.
After his acquisition by Chennai for $1.5 million (then worth about Rs 7.5 crore) in 2008, Dhoni has captained the side during all eight seasons. Under his leadership, CSK went on to become the most successful team in the IPL.
Though it is hard to imagine Dhoni in any other IPL jersey than the yellow of Chennai, it will be interesting to see how Captain Cool adapts to his new team.