IPL 2021 auction: MS Dhoni’s presence felt with ‘definitely not’ t-shirts

Former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s presence was felt during the Indian Premier League (IPL) mini auction in Chennai on Thursday when the people representing the Chennai Super Kings wore t-shirts that had his iconic words “Definitely Not” printed on it.

Also Read | IPL 2021 auction: Full list of sold players

Dhoni said the words during last year’s IPL season before CSK‘s last match. When commentator Danny Morrison asked him if it was his last IPL match, the world cup-winning captain just had those two words to shut off all the rumours about his retirement.

During Thursday’s auction, representatives of CSK, that included the franchise’s bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji, wore a yellow t-shirt under their jackets with the iconic words.

Also Read | Full list of unsold players in IPL 2021 auction

With key players missing as well as an ageing core, CSK had a rather disappointing 2020 season, finishing seventh with 12 points from 14 games.

In a bid to avoid another season outside the playoff qualification spots, the franchise on Thursday, bought English all-rounder Moeen Ali for Rs 7 crore and spinner Krishnappa Gowtham for Rs 9.25 crore.

They also bought Indian Test cricket specialist Cheteshwar Pujara at his base price of Rs 50 lakh.