Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has yet to confirm his retention with the franchise ahead of the October 31 deadline. However, Dhoni hinted at participating in next year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) during a recent event.
“I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play,” Dhoni shared at a promotional event for the software brand Rigi, where he serves as a brand ambassador.
“When you play cricket like a professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy it just like a game. That’s what I want to do. It’s not easy. The emotions keep coming, the commitments are there. I want to enjoy the game for the next few years,” said the 43-year-old.
Dhoni discussed his approach to staying fit during the off-season to prepare for the demanding IPL schedule.
“I have to keep myself fit for nine months, so that I can play two and a half months of IPL. You need to plan it out, but at the same time chill a bit,” Dhoni noted.
As per the IPL’s new rule, Dhoni can be retained by CSK as an uncapped player for a minimum of Rs 4 crore. Dhoni qualifies as an uncapped player since he has not played international cricket for five years and lacks a central contract from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, CSK has the option to retain him for a larger sum.
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan is awaiting Dhoni’s final decision, with Dhoni expected to meet with CSK officials by month-end to discuss retentions.
“We also want Dhoni to play in the CSK team. But Dhoni has not confirmed it to us yet. Dhoni said, ‘I will tell you before October 31.’ We hope that he will play,” Kasi Viswanathan said.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
