Close Menu
  • CRICKET
    • TRENDING
    • OPINION
    • News
  • IPL
    • Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
    • Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
    • Mumbai Indians (MI)
    • Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
The Cricket Lounge
  • CRICKET
    • TRENDING
    • OPINION
    • News
  • IPL
    • Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
    • Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
    • Mumbai Indians (MI)
    • Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
The Cricket Lounge
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

IPL: MS Dhoni Was Not the First Choice For CSK

Naman VyasBy Naman Vyas09/12/2024No Comments3 Mins Read
MS Dhoni

When we talk about the Indian Premier League (IPL), one of the most iconic images that come to mind is that of MS Dhoni leading the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with his cool, calm, and collected demeanor. MS Dhoni, affectionately known as ‘Captain Cool,’ has become synonymous with CSK’s success, leading them to multiple titles. However, what many might not know is that MS Dhoni wasn’t the first choice for the franchise during the inaugural IPL auction in 2008. This story involves missed opportunities, strategic decisions, and the birth of a legendary partnership in cricket.

Former CSK player S. Badrinath revealed in an interview with InsideSport that the original plan was quite different. He stated, “I think it was the late Mr. V.B. Chandrasekhar who was instrumental in forming the Chennai Super Kings team. I’m grateful to him; he is the one who signed me. He was the one who opted for Mahendra Singh Dhoni. However, before that, the CSK management was considering Virender Sehwag.” This revelation sheds light on the initial strategy of CSK, which aimed to secure the aggressive opener Virender Sehwag. However, Sehwag was snapped up by the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), leaving CSK to pivot their strategy.

V.B. Chandrashekhar, who was in charge of CSK’s operations during the IPL season, played a pivotal role in this decision-making process. His advice not to accept an offer from Delhi for Sehwag set the stage for a different kind of acquisition. Instead of the explosive Sehwag, CSK chose to invest in a then-uncapped player, MS Dhoni, for a sum of 4 crore INR. At that time, MS Dhoni was yet to be recognized as the global cricket icon he would become, but his potential was evident to those who saw beyond the statistics.

This decision to back Dhoni was not just about his skills with the bat or behind the stumps but also about his leadership qualities, which would soon transform CSK into a dynasty in the IPL. Dhoni’s tenure with CSK has been marked by strategic acumen, a knack for finishing games, and an unparalleled connection with the fans, turning Chepauk into a fortress.

In retrospect, the choice of Dhoni over Sehwag has proven to be a masterstroke for CSK. Dhoni’s journey from an uncapped player to one of the most celebrated captains in cricket history is a testament to the foresight of the CSK management and the late V.B. Chandrashekhar. This story is a reminder of how pivotal moments in sports can shape the future in unexpected ways. While Sehwag would go on to have a successful IPL career with Delhi, Dhoni’s legacy with CSK is unparalleled, making him not just a player but an institution in the world of cricket.

The tale of how MS Dhoni came to be associated with CSK is one of serendipity and strategic foresight. It underscores the unpredictability of sports auctions and the profound impact of leadership decisions. The legacy of this choice continues to resonate every time Dhoni dons the yellow jersey, proving that sometimes, not getting your first choice can lead to the best possible outcome.

CSK CSK News IPL MS Dhoni Virender Sehwag
Follow on Google News Follow on Flipboard
Previous ArticleIND vs AUS: Nitish Kumar Reddy Joins MS Dhoni And Sunil Gavaskar In An Elite List
Next Article IPL 2025: Four First-Choice Overseas Players For PBKS
Naman Vyas
  • Website
  • Facebook

Naman Vyas is an emerging talent in the field of cricket writing and he has been working for The Cricket Lounge as a cricket writer and delivering news and opinion from the world of cricket.

Related Posts

Rishabh Pant Breaks MS Dhoni’s Legendary SENA Series Record

13/07/2025

RCB Becomes Richest IPL Team, Beats CSK and MI

08/07/2025

Banned Harry Brook Eyes IPL Return, Hails It as ‘Best Franchise Tournament

02/07/2025

Ahead of Edgbaston Test, Aakash Chopra Picks His All-Time India XI – But No Spot for MS Dhoni

29/06/2025

After a Quiet IPL, Sanju Samson Heads to Kerala Cricket League

24/06/2025

Sanju Samson to CSK? Unpacking the IPL 2026 Transfer Talk

17/06/2025
Add A Comment

Comments are closed.

Important Pages
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Information About The Publication
Important Links
  • Rss Feed
  • Sitemap
  • Google News
Important Links
  • Rss Feed
  • Sitemap
  • Google News

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.