Ashwin Will Be CSK’s Priority During IPL Auction, Says MS Dhoni

Ashwin has been part of Chennai Super Kings since the first season of IPL in 2008.

Ashwin is back in the auction pool after CSK retained only Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja.

(Photo courtesy: Deepak Malik / SPORTZPICS / IPL)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, speaking at a promotional event in Chennai on Friday, said the franchise would be aiming to get Ravichandran Ashwin back in the fold in the upcoming IPL players' auction.

Ashwin is back in the auction pool after CSK retained Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja.

The players' auction is scheduled to take place on January 27 and 28 in Bengaluru.

As I have said it is always a tough call. With Ashwin, you know we had done the same thing in the past. We will definitely go for him (Ashwin) in the auction. Ashwin being a local lad, we want a lot of local players to be part of CSK

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Captain, Chennai Super Kings

“We have two right-to-match options but having already retained three capped Indians, don't think we can use it. We will have to buy him out in the auction,” Dhoni added. “Ashwin will come first in the auction for us.”

He also stressed on the adaptability factor at the auction and said they would have to keep the emotions in check while picking the squad.

“We have made three retention. One keeper, two batsmen. Two batsmen that can bowl. As of now it is very difficult to say whom we will get. That is the adaptability factor that we need at the auction table,” he said.

He also thanked the fans for their support and praised the franchise's management for backing the team.

Our biggest strength has always been the fans. Wherever we have gone, CSK has got support. Even when we did not play in the IPL in the last two years, the fan base increased. There is a lot of excitement among fans about the fact that CSK is back

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Captain, Chennai Super Kings

Dhoni said the focus at CSK was always on cricket and making sure the players did well in the opportunities they got.

Video Editor: Mohd Ibrahim

(We Indians have much to talk about these days. But what would you tell India if you had the chance? Pick up the phone and write or record your Letter To India. Don’t be silent, tell her how you feel. Mail us your letter at [e-mail]. We’ll make sure India gets your message.)