CSK Will Involve MS Dhoni In Some Way Or Other Once He Retires: Mike Hussey

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni has had a whirlwind relationship with his Indian Premier League franchise, Chennai Super Kings. Dhoni, under whose leadership, CSK has won three IPL (2010, 2011 & 2018) and two Champions League titles, has been the cornerstone of the franchise success over the years.

MS Dhoni is the only captain to lead a single IPL franchise in all seasons since its inception. The former Indian captain was all set to make a return to competitive cricket post his sabbatical from cricket since the 2019 World Cup, by leading CSK in the 13th edition of the IPL.

But his comeback has been delayed with the IPL initially getting postponed till April 15th. Dhoni will turn 39 this July and there have been talks around whether CSK will retain him in the 2021 auction or will they start from scratch.

Mike Hussey, who was part of Chennai Super Kings, in the initial years of the IPL feels that while the franchise will look to start afresh, they will make it a point to involve MS Dhoni in some capacity, once he retires.

“That’s a 60-million-dollar question, and I am equally intrigued. I believe the owners would like to keep Dhoni involved in some way or the other,” Michael Hussey told Sanjay Manjrekar on ESPNCricinfo’s Videocast.

Hussey added: “However, whenever the change of guard happens, CSK might want to start all over again, build a brand, new team, and use their existing philosophy as they enter the next decade of IPL. It is definitely going to be more challenging in current times.”

Also Read: MS Dhoni’s Self-Belief Makes Him The Greatest Finisher Of All-Time: Mike Hussey

MS Dhoni was all set to lead CSK in IPL 2020 before the tournament was postponed due to COVID-19

Earlier, former BCCI president and current head India Cements N Srinivasan had stated that the franchise will definitely retain MS Dhoni in the 2021 mega auction.

“People keep saying when will he… how long will he play, etc. He will play. I can assure you. He will play this year. Next year he will go into the auction; he will be retained. So there is no doubt in anybody’s mind,” Srinivasan was quoted as saying by India Today.

Meanwhile, the BCCI is set to take a decision on the future of this year’s IPL on April 15.

Also Read: MS Dhoni’s Chances Look Dim If IPL Is Cancelled, Says Gautam Gambhir