IPL 2018: MS Dhoni rejected other teams before choosing CSK
What's the story?
MS Dhoni was one of three players retained by Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2018 but the 36-year-old admitted that several teams had approached him ahead of the IPL 2018 Player Retention event. Speaking at an event in Chennai, Dhoni admitted that coming back to CSK was a natural choice for him especially considering the support he has received from the supporters.
"A lot of people approached me, I can tell you that. But, you know, I can't think (of) not coming back to CSK," the 36-year-old said.
"And as I said, it is because of everything - what we been through, how we have conducted ourselves, how the management has been, how the players have been, how the fans have been. I always keep saying, you know, it is like a second home to me.
"The fans have over here have literally adopted me, they accept me as their own. There can't be a bigger compliment than that. This is a special place and that thought of being with any other franchise was never a question. So that was a very easy answer for me," he added.
In case you didn't know...
Along with Ravindra Jadeja and Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni was one of three players retained by CSK, who will be returning to the IPL this year after a two-year absence.
The heart of the matter
For the first eight editions of the IPL, MS Dhoni was captain of CSK and led them to two IPL titles in 2010 and 2011. With Dhoni at the helm, CSK became one of the most consistent sides in the IPL and he will return to the team that catapulted him to even greater worldwide acclaim after spending two years at the Pune franchise.
What's next?
All eyes will now be on the IPL Auction in Bengaluru as all the eight sides look to complete their sides ahead of the 11th edition of the IPL.
Author's take
MS Dhoni's emotional connection with Chennai was evident once again as he opted to return to his adopted home as CSK make their IPL comeback. That other teams were interested in his signature is far from surprising but Dhoni opted to return to Chennai and will be hoping to make the most of his decision and help his side claim their third IPL title.