Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan has stated that IPL 2021 is not the final season for team’s legendary captain MS Dhoni. The CEO had quashed out Dhoni’s retirement rumours from the IPL last year as well before the wicketkeeper-batsman himself made clear his intentions in his team’s last league match of the 13th edition.
“Definitely not,” MS Dhoni had said after being asked if that match against Punjab Kings was his final appearance in the IPL. CSK CEO is now hoping to see MS Dhoni in IPL 2022 as well.
“I don’t think it is going to be his final year. This is my personal view and I don’t think we are looking at anybody now,” Kasi Viswanathan told Indian Express.
Further, he talked about star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who has been out of action after fracturing his left thumb during the third Test against Australia in Sydney. The southpaw got his thumb operated and spent his time in rehab at NCA, and now he looks fit to ply his trade for the 3-time champions.
Viswanathan confirmed that Jadeja has been cleared to play by the NCA. Jadeja was also seen playing in CSK’s intra-squad match in build up to the 14th edition.
“See, Jadeja has been cleared [to play] by the NCA [National Cricket Academy],” he said. “He has joined our team for practice. He is looking good. He is working hard. And we are hoping that he will be fully fit by the time the IPL starts.”
After acquiring Cheteshwar Pujara, Kasi Viswanathan had said that he wanted to honour the right-hander, a ‘national hero’ by enrolling him in CSK but that isn’t the only reason. India’s Test specialist can contribute immensely for CSK and he has the calibre to adapt to any format according to the CEO.
“We also wanted to honour him, that’s for sure. But at the same time, I can tell you one thing, a person of his calibre with such good technique, he can adapt to any format,” Viswanathan said.
“That is our view. He can be a player who can contribute a lot to CSK. That’s what we felt and that is the reason why we picked him.
“He will certainly have a role to play, but I cannot say whether he will play the first game or the second game.”
CSK will clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) in their IPL 2021 opener on April 10.
