Chennai Super Kings confident MS Dhoni will play IPL in 2021

Owner N Srinivasan has confirmed the former India captain will be retained for the next edition of the competition, despite this week being denied a central contract

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MS Dhoni is assured of being retained by Chennai Super Kings ahead of the 2021 Indian Premier League despite being overlooked for a central contract by his country.

Having not played for India in any format since the World Cup, the 38-year-old was turned down for a deal for the 2019-20 cycle.

But CSK have already promised Dhoni that he will be assured of an IPL payout next year, several months before the 2020 edition is due to get underway.

Owner N Srinivasan, the former BCCI president, reportedly said: "MS Dhoni will play this year. And next year he will be in the auction and he will be retained."

Dhoni has kept quiet over both his international and domestic intentions with his next major outing set to be in the IPL in the spring.

He has been targetted for the charity all-star game organised by Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne on February 8, but his participation has not been confirmed.

India coach Ravi Shastri has suggested the wicket-keeper would be considered for the T20 World Cup in Australia in October and November if he enjoys a good IPL.

But the failure to win a central contract - he was in the A band for 2018-19 - is an indication that the BCCI are ready to move on.

Rishabh Pant and Wriddhiman Saha are currently dueling to succeed him behind the stumps but it appears clear that the international career of one of India's greatest players of the modern age is coming to an end.

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