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Story of MS Dhoni IPL auction 2008: How much CSK Paid for him?

MS Dhoni was so quick to become such a cult favourite in Chennai after leading the  Chennai Super Kings (CSK)  that it was a treat to watch him reach great success in a short time in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since 2008, back when CSK signed him for a hefty amount of $1.5 million, Dhoni has been an irreplaceable player and leader, leading and guiding the team to a remarkable five IPL titles.

In MS Dhoni’s IPL auction in 2008, his purchase details, along with other star players like Shane Warne, Shoaib Akhtar, Adam Gilchrist, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Mahela Jayawardena, were noted on the auction sheet by Richard Madley. Here is a list of them all.

Table of Contents

Bidding story of MS Dhoni in IPL 2008 auction

The bidding war and the IPL auction have only recently become a popularised normal thing in recent years. However, this was far to be the case back in the early days of IPL and certainly not in 2008, ahead of the inaugural edition of the mega T20 League.

Ms Dhoni in 2008 IPL

In fact, the idea is so western to begin with that even the players that were bought in the first IPL had their prices mentioned in western figures of millions and hundreds of thousands. Unlike the Lakhs and Crores that we witness nowadays.

Among those figures stood out the name MS Dhoni seeing as he was bought as the most expensive player by Chennai Super Kings ahead of the auction. He was bought alongside several superstars’ names, including of Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, Shoaib Akhtar and Mahela Jayawardena. Yet, he managed to stand out.

Promptly, Dhoni’s IPL price became the talk of the town. Dhoni’s IPL auction history has been interesting ever since. 

MS Dhoni emerged as the Costliest player in IPL 2008 auction

There is no surprise to find that MS Dhoni IPL Auction price was the highest, making him the most expensive player in the inaugural edition of the IPL. However, for today’s fans, it might sometimes come as a surprise. Hence, the reason behind the same is worth mentioning.

The year was 2008, the memories of the 2007 triumph of the Indian team in South Africa were still very fresh in everyone’s mind. They had defeated Pakistan in the final of T20 World Cup, by the barest of margins. Anything, left or right could have seen India lose another marquee event.

But, there was one man who made the right decision. Played the right squad and then reaped the results of the same. It was none other than Mahendra Singh Dhoni. He was the mastermind behind the victory, and the world was quick to recognise that. As a result, when the first season of the Indian Premier League came around, everyone wanted him onboard, however, CSK IPL Auction Bid was the highest, making them welcome MS Dhoni. 

RCB, MI, and CSK went on bidding war for MS Dhoni

After 16 editions of IPL, can you imagine MS Dhoni playing for another franchise? Perhaps beside Virat Kohli in RCB? Or besides Rohit Sharma in Mumbai Indians? Well, it was almost turned into a reality in the 2008 IPL Auction Highlights because of MS Dhoni.

The then-captain of India in the shortest format of the game drew considerable interest from both Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Both the teams went neck to neck for the services of MS Dhoni in the IPL auction.

As the auction progressed, the RCB team pulled short of the price that was being demanded by the auctioneer, following interest by MI and Chennai Super Kings, as MS Dhoni IPL Auction price kept rising. 

Talking about the missed chance of buying MS Dhoni in 2008 by RCB, Richard Madley, former IPL Auctioneer, revealed: With this very bidding pad, RCB underbid for MS Dhoni IPL Price in the 2008 Auction, quite regretfully I must say.

MS Dhoni: CSK Player’s Icon player in 2008

Things still wouldn’t have been easier for both RCB and MI to sign the star in the form of MS Dhoni in IPL Auction 2008. And the reason behind the same was that both the teams already had an icon player on their team. 

According to the rules that were formed at that time, every team was allowed to have only one icon player and that player was to receive 15% of extra fees than the highest-paid pick by a team. The Bengaluru side had already claimed Rahul Dravid as their icon. The same constraint was faced by the Mumbai Indians side as well.

Chennai didn’t have any Icon player in their side, heading into the IPL auction, as a result they were able to buy MS Dhoni in IPL auction, which made CSK IPL Auction in 2008 noteworthy.  MS Dhoni Auction Price in 2008 was 9.5 Crores as CSK won the bid, making the list of CSK’s most expensive players even more impressive.. 

Dhoni IPL 2023 Price was INR 12 Crores. Even though several young players’ prices were higher, Dhoni 2023 price still remained as one of the highest. MS Dhoni IPL Auction 2024 was INR 12 Crores, same as Dhoni IPL 2023 Price. 

MS Dhoni: Chennai Super King’s Talisman

In the history of the IPL, the Chennai Super Kings have managed to come out at the top as one of the most successful franchises, mainly because of the fact that its remarkable leadership is that of MS Dhoni. Dhoni is not just the captain; he is the driving force behind CSK’s consistent success.

Over the years, Dhoni’s influence on the team has been massive which is evident in the numerous IPL titles CSK has won under his captaincy. What sets Dhoni apart is not just the trophies but the sacrifices he has made for the team. Dealing with a persistent knee injury, he played through pain, applying ice packs during and after games, showcasing a level of commitment that goes beyond expectations.

A moment that stood out to the fans and spectators alike was when Dhoni’s resilience occurred in the 2023 season. Despite his troublesome knee, he led CSK to their fifth title, a record-setting feat. This victory wasn’t just about the trophy; it was a proof of Dhoni’s constant dedication to the team’s success and fortified the impressive MSDhoni records in IPL.

More than just statistics, Dhoni’s impact on CSK is evident in his impressive captaincy, calm demeanor under pressure, and the ability to guide young talents. It can be said that CSK’s fortunes align with the rhythm of Dhoni’s leadership, and his influence extends beyond the cricket field.

As fans eagerly await each IPL season, there’s a collective acknowledgement that CSK’s success is inseparable from MS Dhoni’s presence. His leadership isn’t just about victories; it’s about creating a lasting legacy that solidifies his status as the driving force behind the Chennai Super Kings. And now, even though he no longer captains for his team, it is a well known fact that the team can never be separated from the persona of MS Dhoni. His mere presence fills fans and players alike with fire to win. To keep the legacy going.

FAQs

Did a bidding war take place for MS Dhoni in IPL auction 2008?

According to the first auction of IPL, there surely was a bidding war for MS Dhoni between three teams: RCB, MI, and eventually the winners Chennai Super Kings.

What was ms dhoni ipl auction price in 2008?

MS Dhoni was the most valuable player in the inaugural season of IPL. He was bought by Chennai Super Kings for a staggering price of 9.5 Crore rupees.

How much did CSK pay for MS Dhoni in the 2008 IPL auction?

CSK paid 9.5 Crores to MS Dhoni for his Auction Price in 2008. 

Why was MS Dhoni a significant purchase for CSK in 2008?

In the year 2008, after the triumph of the Indian team in South Africa in 2007. They had defeated Pakistan in the final of T20 World Cup, by the barest of margins which made MS Dhoni a significant purchase for CSK in 2008.  

What impact did MS Dhoni’s purchase have on CSK?

Under MS Dhoni’s leadership, Chennai Super Kings have won 5 IPL titles, indicating his strong impact on the team. 

Who were the other top buys in the 2008 IPL auction?

MS Dhoni was bought alongside several superstars’ names, including Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, Shoaib Akhtar and Mahela Jayawardena. 

What were the reactions to MS Dhoni’s purchase at the time?

MS Dhoni’s iconic bidding price in the IPL instantly became the top of the town as he became the most expensive player in the IPL 2008 auction. 

What is MS Dhoni’s IPL auction price in 2023?

MS Dhoni IPL Auction 2024 was INR 12 Crores same as in IPL 2022. 

What is MS Dhoni’s IPL auction price in 2024?

MS Dhoni IPL Auction 2024 was INR 12 Crores same as in IPL 2023. 

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