The Chennai Super Kings’ retained list for the upcoming 2022 campaign was the biggest story in the IPL’s off-season given that it was the first time that the franchise may have decided to let MS Dhoni go since the start of the tournament in 2008. Dhoni, of course, turned 40 in July, and in most cases when a cricketer gets to this milestone they have normally been retired for a number of years which is why all eyes were on CSK to see if they would give their longest-serving player another contract.
As it turns out, we should have never doubted CSK’s sense of loyalty and commitment to Dhoni after the former Indian captain was the first name on the retained list.
Indeed, Dhoni will lead CSK out for the 2022 season as the powers that be put all their faith in the 40-year-old to be the man to inspire a title defense after their 2021 heroics.
Needless to say, it was fascinating to watch the betting markets react to this news with some of the most reliable betting sites in India already pricing CSK as the leading team to win the 2022 competition. In particular, Bet365 makes CSK one of the favorites to win the 15th edition of the IPL which is telling when you consider that Bet365 is world-famous for their competitive odds prices, huge selection of markets, and their unmatched passion for cricket. In other words, the industry’s big hitters also think the decision to retain Dhoni is the right one and will assist CSK in winning back-to-back IPL titles.
Dhoni won’t be alone though in his quest to bring more glory to CSK however, as the first indication of what the side will look like was further revealed with three more players retained who were Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Indeed, the cat is out of the bag to some degree as CSK opted for all-rounders who can bowl spin which seems to be the team’s strategy for this season with rumors about the franchise also targeting Rashid Khan and veteran Ravichandran Ashwin in the mega auction getting stronger by the day. Naturally, this then leaves the 2021 champions a bit light in the fast bowling department which is why they will likely opt for world-beaters in Kagiso Rabada or Jofra Archer when the bidding war begins to give them some firepower at the top of the innings.
Whichever way CSK ends up approaching the mega auction remains to be seen but they have already stated their intentions by choosing to rely on experience to win the 2022 IPL.
