Apart from MS Dhoni, the franchise plans to retain all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, both of whom played critical roles in CSK's IPL 2021 victory.
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Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) long-serving captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, is expected to be retained for the next three Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons as per a report in The Indian Express. Apart from Dhoni, the franchise plans to keep all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, both of whom played critical roles in CSK’s 2021 IPL victory. According to BCCI rules, each team can keep a maximum of four players. CSK is also in talks with England all-rounder Moeen Ali about staying with the team. Since BCCI secretary Jay Shah has stated that the next season of the IPL will be held in India, CSK believe Ali could be a useful player on the slow, turning Chennai wicket.
If Ali does not agree to stay, Sam Curran, a left-arm medium-pacer, will be CSK’s fourth retained player. The franchises must submit their retained player lists by November 30, and the IPL will hold its mega auction the following month. CSK keeping Dhoni would not be surprising, given the brand value he brings to the team. Dhoni confirmed at a recent CSK event that his final T20 game will be in Chennai, effectively putting his IPL retirement speculation to rest.
“I have always planned my cricket. My last ODI in India was in Ranchi. Hopefully, my last T20 will be in Chennai. Whether it’s next year or in five years’ time, I don’t know,” Dhoni had said earlier.
For the first time, CSK are unlikely to keep Suresh Raina. The former India batsman has been out of touch and has not played in any of the IPL’s recent crucial knockout games.
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, all-rounder Axar Patel, Prithvi Shaw, and pacer Anrich Nortje are expected to stay with the Delhi Capitals (DC).
According to the Indian Express, Shreyas Iyer was released because he wanted to lead DC, but the franchise preferred to have Pant as their leader going forward. However, most franchises will avoid retaining four players because doing so could put a strain on their budget during the auction.
Mumbai Indians (MI) are expected to keep Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah. While talks with West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard continue, the franchise wants to buy Suryakumar Yadav from the auction pool, and Ishan Kishan’s chances of staying are also good.
There are two new teams. Sanjiv Goenka’s RPSG group and CVC Capitals have begun approaching a few top Indian players (though they have not yet received approval from the board).
KL Rahul, India’s opening batsman, is expected to lead Goenka’s new Lucknow team. According to reports, Rahul has parted ways with the Punjab Kings and accepted Goenka’s offer. It’s also been revealed that the new franchise approached Suryakumar Yadav, but the batsman is yet to respond.
Meanwhile, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are expected to keep their two all-rounders Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, as well as Varun Chakravarty. According to sources, KKR is still debating whether to keep Shubman Gill or Venkatesh Iyer.
Chennai Super Kings: Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali/Sam Curran
Delhi Capitals: Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, Axar Patel, Anrich Nortje
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard (talks on), Ishan Kishan (likely)
Kolkata Knight Riders: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell.
