CSK Possible Plans for Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is iconic cricket player for India. His fan following is very huge. For CSK (Chennai Super Kings) franchisee, He is 'Thala' for all CSK fans. We cannot imagine CSK without Dhoni. IPL 2022 has many things to offer. There will be two new teams going to play for 2022 and there will be mega auction.

There is big question right now about Dhoni playing in IPL 2022. He hinted in last IPL final closing presentation about being with CSK. So, he will be part of CSK in future IPL seasons. However, there are rumours about his retention with CSK. Dhoni is insisting not to retain him to save retention money to be given to him. One needs to understand this year IPL auction process to understand further steps of CSK.

In this year IPL, there will be two new teams. IPL governing authority needs to give level playing field to new teams so once all franchisees decide their four retentions (either 2 Indian and 2 Foreign or 3 Indian and 1 Foreign), other players will be part of auction pool. Two new teams have window from 1^st December-2021 for 3 weeks to choose 3 players each from this pool for their retention. So, if CSK will release Dhoni for auction, there will be higher chances that two new teams will pick them for their retention. This is big risk for CSK. So CSK will surely retain Dhoni.

As per my understanding, CSK will look into possibility of retaining Dhoni but not as player but as mentor who can prepare new team for next 5-10 years. This way Dhoni will be part of CSK and his wish of not throwing big money on retention on him can be settled. It will be hard decision for CSK fans but it is good for long term for CSK.

Following are my picks for retention for CSK.

1.    Ruturaj Gaikwad (uncapped player)

2.     Ravindra Jadeja

3.     Faf Du Plessis

4.     MS Dhoni OR Moeen Ali (If Dhoni is becoming mentor)