Did Mahendra Singh Dhoni want to buy a stake in the Chennai Super Kings franchise? Reports have suggested so, with one report claiming that the former India captain “had expressed an interest in buying a stake in CSK, but the management did not agree to the terms proposed by their former captain.”
However, a top CSK official has denied that the franchise discussed the matter with Dhoni.
“MS has never asked us about it. We never discussed the matter. We also don’t have any information about him having discussed this with Mr N Srinivasan either,” the senior CSK functionary said.
That said, Dhoni does own shares in the franchise. According to information from Chennai, the former CSK captain acquired some shares when they were available for purchase.
CSK shares are not traded on the open market as the company is unlisted. However, shares can be acquired privately through off-market transactions.
According to information available, Dhoni holds more than one lakh shares in the franchise. However, that represents only a small portion of the overall shareholding.
More than 30 crore outstanding shares are held by the public, accounting for close to 40 per cent of CSK’s total share capital. Dhoni’s one lakh-plus shares, therefore, represent only a fraction of the public shareholding. The Srinivasan family, meanwhile, holds a controlling stake of more than 55 per cent in the franchise.
Based on the current valuation of IPL franchises — with the most recent franchise sale crossing Rs 16,600 crore — Dhoni’s stake could be worth around Rs 2.6-3 crore. That remains a relatively modest amount compared to his earnings during a 21-year playing career across international cricket and the IPL, along with his commercial endorsements.
Dhoni is widely regarded as one of the richest cricketers in the world, with an estimated net worth of around Rs 1,200 crore.
Dhoni to have a say in next CSK coach
Dhoni, meanwhile, continues to remain an influential figure at CSK despite giving up the captaincy and not featuring in a single game last season.
The CSK management is waiting for him to decide on the next course of action, particularly regarding the appointment of the team’s new head coach. Dhoni is currently believed to be in the US and is expected to return around September 22.
The CSK management is likely to meet around that time to decide on the new coach before turning its attention to transfers and trades.
CSK officials continue to maintain that they are yet to finalise a coach. However, sources suggest that the franchise has zeroed in on an overseas candidate who is also believed to be in talks with another IPL team.
The situation is expected to become clearer once Dhoni returns and meets the top CSK management officials.
