MS Dhoni completes 16 years with CSK: Did you know MSD was not first choice to lead Chennai Super Kings?

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is regarded as one of the greatest cricketers who has graced the game of cricket. Under his leadership, India has won three major ICC trophies. Apart from that, Dhoni’s bond with his IPL Franchise has always been considered special as Chennai Super Kings bought the former Indian captain on this day in 2008. 

With the sum of USD 1.5 million, this move by CSK made the franchise the most successful team in IPL history.

Chennai Super Kings celebrated the 16 years of the journey of MSD by sharing a picture on social media and wrote, “Done it all, but not done yet.’’ 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Chennai Super Kings (@chennaiipl)

In fact, many would not know that MS Dhoni was not the first choice pick for CSK as owner N Srinivasan wanted to pick Virender Sehwag. 

Then, it was late VB Chadrasekhar’s master stroke who insisted the CSK owner N Srinivasan to pick MS Dhoni.

During an interview with Sportskeeda in 2019, Chandrasekhar had told, "Before the auctions in 2008, Mr. N Srinivasan asked me, “Who are you going to pick?” I said Dhoni. He asked, “Why not Virender Sehwag?” I said Sehwag would not provide me with the kind of inspiration that the crowd will be looking forward to, whereas Dhoni is a captain, a wicket-keeper and a batsman who can change the match situation on his own. So I asked him if I could look for him."

After taking CSK to its 5th IPL trophy in 2023, the former Indian captain has already begun his preparation for IPL 2024 which would be a fairy tale moment for the yellow army fans. 

The 17th IPL edition is all set to kick start on March 22.