The defending champions Chennai Super Kings have decided to retain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the next three seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Along with Dhoni, CSK has retained all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, who both played key roles in the franchise's IPL victory in 2021. BCCI rules allow each team to retain a maximum of four players, and the four-time champions are in discussions to sign England all-rounder Moeen Ali.
Ali could be a useful player on the turning and slow Chepauk Stadium in Chennai, but if he doesn't agree to remain, CSK will retain another England cricketer, Sam Curran, as their fourth player, the Indian Express reported.
Dhoni had earlier confirmed that his last T20 match would take place in Chennai.
"I have always planned my cricket. My last ODI in India was in Ranchi. Hopefully, my last T20 will be in Chennai. Whether it's next year or in five years' time, I don't know," Dhoni had said at a recent CSK event.
By November 30, 2021, franchises will have to submit their list of retained players, and two new teams will join the league from the 2022 season onwards.
Sanjiv Goenka's RPSG group and CVC Capitals have approached a few top Indian players to participate in IPL 2022. KL Rahul has left Punjab Kings and will likely lead the new Lucknow team.