IPL 2018: Dhoni wanted Harbhajan at CSK, owners reveal

Chennai Super Kings fans have been rejoicing ever since CSK’s return to the IPL was confirmed last year. Their jubilation multiplied manifold after the franchise decided to retain ‘Thala Dhoni’, who has been synonymous with CSK ever since the advent of the IPL.

The Dhoni fandom has brought in huge support for CSK as a franchise and the owners are indebted towards Dhoni for his contribution towards building this close connect between the fans and the franchise.

While CSK made some very wise decisions during the IPL Player Retention special, retaining their core from 2015, they were heavily criticised for their auction strategy, having recruited a lot of players aged 30 and above.

Kedar Jadhav and Harbhajan Singh were amongst those 30+ players, but the CSK owners have revealed that it was Dhoni’s idea to bring the duo in.

Having not gone in for Ravichandran Ashwin(as they had a cap of Rs 4 crore for him), CSK wanted a premier Indian off spin bowler and according to Dhoni’s advise went ahead with Bhajji.

Jadhav too was always in CSK’s plans, for his handy middle order batting skills and his round-arm offies.

“Kedar’s slow bowling and batting abilities make him a great buy. We had decided before going into the auctions that we are going to go all out for these guys. We are very happy with the team we have got,” the CSK CEO said.

With regards to the 30+ team that CSK have recruited, Harbhajan has a very interesting comment to make, saying that bringing in youth doesn’t necessarily guarantee a title, and that there is no substitute for experience.

“Youth does not necessarily translate into matchwinning performances. There is no substitute for experience — we are players who have walked the difficult road and know how to deal with it,” Bhajji said.