IPL Auction. (Photo Source: Twitter)
MS Dhoni took very little time to become Chennai’s favourite son after taking the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to unprecedented heights in a short span of time in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Over the years, the wicketkeeper-batter has become an inspiration for the CSK who have won a record-equalling five IPL titles under his leadership.
Dhoni was roped in by CSK in 2008 for a whopping $1.5 million, making him the most expensive player of the inaugural IPL auction. Chennai’s decision to go all out for Dhoni has been their best decision in 15 years as they are still enjoying surreal success under the stalwart.
Richard Madley, who conducted the auction in 2008, had shared the picture of the “first-ever auction sheet”. Details of Dhoni’s purchase were written on that sheet alongside other star players like Shane Warne, Shoaib Akhtar, Adam Gilchrist, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Mahela Jayawardena.
Just found my one and only auction sheet for the historic first ever #VIVOIPL auction in 2008.@msdhoni sold to @ChennaiIPL A rare piece of cricket memorabilia
Will be watching #CSKvMI on @hotstarUK #CricketMeriJaan #WhistlePodu #VIVOIPLFinal pic.twitter.com/5M5qY2tPy5— Richard Madley (@iplauctioneer) May 12, 2019