Dhoni Wanted to Buy Into CSK, Stake Talks Ended in Deadlock

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Besides MS Dhoni’s frustration at not being consulted or having his views heard on player choices in recent years, another issue between the former India captain and Chennai Super Kings emerged during the last IPL season, further souring their long-standing relationship.

Sources told CricBlogger that Dhoni had expressed an interest in buying a stake in CSK, but the management did not agree to the terms proposed by their former captain.

According to sources, Dhoni initially wanted to buy a 25% stake, while the CSK promoters were willing to offer him only 3%. Dhoni, who had led CSK to five IPL titles, then lowered his demand to 20%, but the management’s offer increased only marginally to 4%.

Another round of discussions followed, during which Dhoni offered to settle for an 18% stake. However, the CSK management’s final offer, according to sources, was 5.5%.

The apparent reluctance on both sides has further strained the relationship between Dhoni and CSK, to the extent that there is now uncertainty over whether the legendary wicketkeeper-batter will ever be seen in a CSK jersey again.

When CricBlogger reached out to the CSK management for a response, none of the concerned officials were available for comment.

“Dhoni wanted to buy a stake. He wasn’t asking for it for free, but the CSK management thought otherwise,” a source confirmed.

Sources also said that most of these negotiations took place verbally, with no formal written proposal or agreement exchanged between the two parties. “Of course, Dhoni is backed by an investor who is willing to fund the purchase of CSK shares,” the source added.

Whether the differences over the proposed stake played any role in Dhoni not featuring for CSK in a single game this season remains unclear. But, as another source put it: “Whether the two sides can bridge the gap remains to be seen, but the trust that once bound them together appears to have taken a serious hit.”

Sources also said Dhoni isn’t the first cricketer to have wanted to buy a stake in an IPL team and be involved in its functioning. A former India captain and Dhoni’s teammate also tried to acquire a stake in an IPL franchise, but found it equally difficult to strike a deal with the team owners.