Is MS Dhoni the heart of Chennai Super Kings? Here's what the owner feels

Chennai Super Kings is the IPL champion for the fourth time, thanks to MS Dhoni's authoritative leadership. Meanwhile, CSK owner N Srinivasan comments on how the franchise and Dhoni are deeply related.

It was rejoicing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as it won the Indian Premier League (IPL) title for the fourth time under the leadership of MS Dhoni, which was also the skipper's fourth, all coming with CSK. It defeated former champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the final in Dubai on Friday.

Meanwhile, fans are wondering if Dhoni would stay with CSK during the IPL 2022 Mega Auction. While the CSK board of directors and Dhoni have confirmed that he would continue to serve in yellow, it is unclear whether he would continue playing or joining the management.

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On Monday, N Srinivasan, chairman of India Cements Limited, which owns CSK, visited the Lord Venkatachalapathy temple in Chennai with the IPL trophy, reports PTI. He said that CSK and Dhoni are deeply related, as both don't exist without each other.

ICL was the initial owner of CSK between 2008-14 before the ownership was transferred to Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd., a subsidiary of ICL. Srinivasan also clarified that only after the retention policy is declared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), plans would be made on CSK's retention.

He was also asked on no players from Tamil Nadu playing in CSK, to which he said that 13 players from the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) were a part of the IPL and are also representing India. He noted that TNPL's popularity would only grow hereon.

Speaking on CSK's plans to celebrate its latest title win, Srinivasan asserted that there would be an official function at the MA Chidambaram (Chepauk) Stadium in Chennai. It would happen once Dhoni is done with his Team India mentorship commitments for the ongoing ICC World T20 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).