N Srinivasan Explains How CSK Bagged MS Dhoni In The IPL Auction

Former Indian cricketer MS Dhoni has remained the heart and soul of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since IPL’s inception in 2008. So far, he has spent ten seasons with the franchise — and guided them to three titles and playoffs every edition and former BCCI President N Srinivasan has explained how the yellow army secured the services of MS Dhoni.

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With $1.5 million, MS Dhoni was the most expensive player in the inaugural edition of the competition. The 39-year-old keeper-batsman guided Chennai to the playoffs where they lost to Shane Warne’s Rajasthan Royals by three wickets.

The Jharkhand cricketer announced his retirement from international cricket on the 15th of August but would return to lead the franchise in IPL 2020 in the UAE.

N Srinivasan explained that they did not want an icon player. The veteran highlighted that the Super Kings had the choice to opt for Sachin Tendulkar.

However, they decided on going for MS Dhoni. Srinivasan said that looking at their purse and how much they would have to shell out on two players, they made the decision.

“When it came to USD 1.5 million, I think they realised they would have to pay Sachin USD 1.65 million and Dhoni USD 1.5 million, five million was the purse and sixty per cent of the purse would go on these two players. So, they stopped and that’s how we got Dhoni because I said I don’t want an icon,” Srinivasan stated.

He added that all the teams wanted icons, whom they had to pay ten per cent than the highest-paid player of the team in the auction. Hence, when the bidding began for MS Dhoni, he decided to go for him at any cost.

“Therefore, all them said they wanted icons, they had to pay the icon 10 per cent than the highest paid player of the team in the auction. So, when the bidding went on for Dhoni, I was clear at any price MS Dhoni,” he asserted.

MS Dhoni is good at spotting talent: N Srinivasan

The ex-BCCI President lavished praises on the iconic cricketer, hailing for his ability to spot the talent and doing the best while leading any team. Srinivasan credited the World Cup-winning skipper for bringing some players under prominence that were not previously.

“He is a person, you know, you give him any team he will lead it. He is good at spotting talent. There are some players in the CSK team suggested by Dhoni who were not as prominent as they are today,” the 75-year-old added further.

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