Virender Sehwag provided a comprehensive account of his discussion with CSK before the first season of IPL, disclosing that MS Dhoni wasn't the team's initial preference.

In recent years, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has become inseparable from the Chennai Super Kings. Since joining the franchise in the inaugural IPL season in 2008, Dhoni has guided CSK to a joint-record five IPL titles, the most recent of which was secured last year. Affectionately referred to as 'Thala' by CSK fans, Dhoni is cherished by the franchise's loyal supporters. In recent times, the most enthusiastic cheers and unwavering backing from CSK fans have been reserved predominantly for their legendary wicketkeeper-batsman.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag has unveiled an intriguing detail about the choices made by the franchise before the inaugural season. While CSK did manage to secure Dhoni through the auction, the former Indian captain wasn't initially their top pick. Sehwag disclosed that prior to the auction, VB Chandrashekar, the former India cricketer tasked with player acquisitions at CSK, reached out to him via phone.

Sehwag revealed, "VB Chandrashekhar was selecting the players for CSK. He phone-called me and said, 'we want you to play for CSK. Delhi Daredevils want you to be their icon. Don't accept the offer'. I was like, fine, we will see,”

“Finally, I received the offer from Delhi Daredevils to be their icon player and I accepted it. I didn't go into the auction. If I were a part of the auction, CSK would've bought me and made me the captain of the side. But then, they bought MS Dhoni and made him the captain,” Sehwag said.

Sehwag represented the Delhi franchise for six seasons before departing in 2013 to join Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). His final season in the league was in 2015, after which he transitioned into a coaching role with the Kings.

In the meantime, Dhoni steered CSK to their maiden title in 2011. Due to a ban on CSK for corruption charges during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, Dhoni played for Rising Pune Supergiants during that period. He rejoined the Super Kings in 2018 and led them to victory in the same season. Since then, he has added two more titles to his name (in 2021 and 2023).

Dhoni remains a pivotal player for CSK, showcasing his batting prowess with impressive cameos this season. Accumulating 136 runs in 13 innings, with 8 not-outs, he boasts a formidable strike rate of 226.27. Under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK is aiming for a playoff berth and is set to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a crucial match on Saturday, essentially a virtual knockout encounter.