Reports: CSK retain skipper MS Dhoni for three years, KL Rahul likely to lead Lucknow in IPL 2022

If the latest reports are anything to go by, then Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have retained talismanic skipper, MS Dhoni for three years. Alongside Dhoni, the franchise is also likely to retain Ravindra Jadeja and Ruturaj Gaikwad for the next season. The fourth retention will be a toss-up between England all-rounders Moeen Ali and Sam Curran.

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Earlier, the BCCI stated that the franchises can retain up to four players, with the deadline for submission of the list of retained players being November 30.While there were doubts about the retention of Dhoni, owing to his poor form with the bat, the franchise had hinted they will not let go of Dhoni as even without scoring runs, he adds a lot of value to CSK. Meanwhile, Jadeja and Gaikwad have been top notch for the franchise in the last two years.

After winning the fourth title for CSK, Dhoni had said he is not sure if he will play the next season. “Again, I’ve said it before, it depends on BCCI. With two new teams coming in. We have to decide what is good for CSK. It’s not about me being there in top-three or four. It’s about making a strong core to ensure the franchise doesn’t suffer. The core group, we have to have a hard look to see who can contribute for the next 10 years.”

“Still, I haven’t left behind,” concluded MS Dhoni after winning the IPL 2021 Trophy for the fourth time.

Meanwhile, reports also state that Punjab Kings skipper KL Rahul is likely to part ways with the franchise. The right-hand batter will likely lead the Lucknow franchise. Ahmedabad and Lucknow are the two new franchises who are added to the IPL 2022.