'MS Dhoni will play IPL till 2022', says CSK CEO
Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni hasn't played international cricket since 2019. The thirteenth edition of the Indian Premier League will mark the return of India's World Cup-winning captain in competitive cricket. Amid all the speculations regarding his comeback, the Chief Executive of Chennai Super Kings, Kasi Viswanathan said the 39-year-old will keep playing the IPL until 2022. Here is more.
"We don't worry about him at all. Yes. We can expect MS Dhoni to be part of both (2020 and 2021 seasons) and probably for even the following year, 2022," Viswanathan was quoted as saying by India Today.
As per recent reports, Dhoni was seen hitting the nets at JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi last week. It is understood that the CSK skipper used the bowling machines in the absence of bowlers. Earlier this year, he had returned to train along with his CSK teammates at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium before the COVID-19 outbreak stalled the training camp.
All the eight IPL franchises will be observing a six-day quarantine period upon reaching Dubai. The decision regarding the same was taken during the recently concluded IPL team owners' meeting. Meanwhile, CSK CEO Viswanathan revealed the team will assemble in Chennai before leaving for UAE, so that they can get back into the groove ahead of the event.
Speaking on Dhoni, a CSK official said the CSK captain understands his responsibilities well. "I am getting updates through the media, saying he has been training in Jharkhand in indoor nets. But we don't have to worry about the skipper, boss. He knows his responsibilities and he will take care of himself and the team," the official said.
The Emirates Cricket Board recently confirmed that it has received official clearance from the BCCI to host the IPL. Notably, the development came a day after the Government of India granted BCCI the approval to conduct the league in UAE. According to the proposed schedule, the tournament will run from September 19 to November 10. However, the final schedule is yet to be announced.
