Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan said “I don’t know” when asked on CSK’s YouTube channel. “This is a question that only Microsoft can answer. For us, the question is: We have always respected the decisions that Microsoft has made and left it up to them.
“As everyone knows, he has always taken his decisions and announced them at the right time. We expect him to make a decision when he decides to do so. But we are very hopeful that he will be available for CSK. That is for next year. “These are the thoughts and expectations of the fans,” he said.
Over the past few years, Dhoni has been asked this question directly and repeatedly by broadcasters. However, quietly handing over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of this IPL meant that Dhoni, now 42, would go through the tournament without any contact with the media.
“He doesn’t like being involved (in coaching) for nine or 10 months a year, so it won’t make him feel good.”
Kasi Viswanathan says Stephen Fleming has been linked with Indian director’s job
“I jokingly asked Stephen, ‘Have you applied for the Indian coaching assignment?’ Stephen laughed and said, ‘Do you want me to?’” Viswanathan said. “I know it won’t appeal to him because he doesn’t like being involved (in coaching) nine or 10 months a year. That’s my feeling. I haven’t discussed it further with him.”
When asked about CSK’s plans to stay ahead of the expected massive team shake-up before IPL 2025, Viswanathan said the matter will be discussed only after clarity is obtained from the BCCI side about the franchise.
“It is too early as we have not yet heard from the BCCI about the types of conservation that will be included in the next auction cycle,” he said. “So we expect the BCCI to hold discussions with all franchise owners before taking a decision on retention.”
Five-time IPL champions CSK finished fifth this season and missed out on the playoffs for the third time before 2020 and 2022. In each case they bounced back to be crowned champions the following season.
