IPL 2022: The first RTM will be used to retain MS Dhoni, asserts CSK official

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is all set to retain MS Dhoni for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. A CSK official confirmed that the franchise will use its first RTM ( Right to Match Card) to retain MS Dhoni. Speculations were doing rounds that the 2021 season might be the last we see MS Dhoni playing cricket. The veteran has looked off-colour in the last two seasons with the bat. With BCCI possibly limiting the number of players the franchises can retain, it was speculated that CSK might not retain Dhoni. However, all those speculations have been put to rest now.

“There will be retention and that is a fact. The number of retentions isn’t something we are aware of yet. But honestly, that is secondary in MS’ case because the first card will be used for him. The ship needs its captain and rest assured he will be back next year,” said CSK official as quoted by Sports Tiger.

Earlier, MS Dhoni himself had confirmed that he is yet to finish and will play his last IPL game in Chennai. However, he added that he is not sure if the CSK will retain him owing to the BCCI retention policy for the mega auction in 2022.

Dhoni has played a pivotal role in CSK's success as a skipper and a batter. If we leave out his performance with the bat in the last two years, he has been one of the most consistent performers for the franchise, having scored over 4000 runs, only second to Suresh Raina. He also led CSK to four IPL titles and two Champions League titles.

Earlier, former India batter Virender Sehwag had also asked CSK to retain MS Dhoni for the next season. "It’s a phenomenal team. No one in Team India could beat Dhoni’s legacy and hopefully, it would be difficult for any other captain to do the same for CSK. I feel he has one more year left in him for Chennai. He must play next season and then retire,” said Sehwag while speaking to Cricbuzz.