CEO Kasi Viswanathan: MS Dhoni will continue to play for CSK beyond the 2022 season

MS Dhoni handed over the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings to allrounder Ravindra Jadeja, but the 2022 IPL season will not be his last, according to Chennai Super Kings chief executive Kasi Viswanathan.

“I don’t believe so,” she says (this is going to be his last season). “He’ll keep going,” CEO Viswanathan stated. Dhoni will not pick and choose games this season, according to Viswanathan, and will be a guiding force for the team.

“MS Dhoni has decided to hand over the leadership of Chennai Super Kings and has chosen Ravindra Jadeja to lead the team,” a CSK statement said earlier. Jadeja, who has been a key member of Chennai Super Kings since 2012, will be the team’s third captain. “This season and beyond, Dhoni will continue to represent Chennai Super Kings.” The retirement of MS Dhoni as CSK captain marks the end of an era for one of the IPL’s most successful franchises.

According to Viswanathan, Dhoni made the decision two days before the start of this year’s IPL to ensure a smooth transition. On Saturday, the four-time champions will take on the Kolkata Knight Riders. “We’ve always respected MS’s decision.” For us, he has been a rock of stability. He will continue to be a pillar of strength, guiding Jaddu (Jadeja) and the other team members. He has made the decision because he expects a smooth transition from him to Jaddu. He must have made the decision in the best interest of CSK as a captain and player who has always cared about CSK,” Viswanathan said.

The franchise’s retention policy, which saw Jadeja retained for Rs 16 crore and Dhoni retained for Rs 12 crore ahead of this year’s mega auction, may have given away something. Dhoni had also suggested it, according to CSK officials. Jadeja is currently one of, if not the best, all-rounders in the world, and even at 33 years old, he is India’s fittest cricketer. Dhoni, 40, is nearing the end of his illustrious career.

With retirement rumours circulating, the former India captain said at a CSK felicitation programme in November last year: “I have always planned my cricket.” Ranchi was the site of my last ODI in India. Hopefully, my final T20 match will take place in Chennai. I’m not sure if it’ll be next year or in five years.”

Moeen Ali’s visa issues have been resolved, according to Viswanathan, and the player has arrived today. After a three-day quarantine, the spin-bowling all-rounder will be available for CSK’s second game onwards.

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