IPL 2018 Player Retention: Ravindra Jadeja, Suresh Raina Post Messages For CSK Fans

Chennai Super Singh (CSK) have retained their 'thala' Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2018. Dhoni was the first player to be retained for CSK followed by Raina and Jadeja. Just after the announcement, CSK uploaded videos of Dhoni, Raina and Jadeja while signing agreements with the IPL franchise.

Raina, who is also the highest run-getter in the history of IPL with 4540 runs at an average of 34.13, sent a wonderful message to his fans.

"Vadakkam Chennai! Good to be back at CSK after two years and looking forward to play in front of my beautiful crowd and knowledgeable crowd which I missed in the last two years. See you out there in Chepauk stadium," an excited Raina said.

The #KnowledgeableChennaiCrowd awaits you Chinna Thala @ImRaina! #ReturnOfTheSuperKings #SummerIsComing #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/Ze27oU5KfN

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 4, 2018

Jadeja, who played crucial roles in CSK victories, also send a message for his fans.

"Hi guys! I am really excited and very happy to be part of the CSK team again. Hopefully, you will enjoy our action. We will try to win as many as games for CSK. Whistle Podu," Jadeja said.

To more incredible victories for the Yellow Brigade with @imjadeja! #ReturnOfTheSuperKings #SummerIsComing #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/27qw0SOfIG

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 4, 2018

In the video posted by CSK's Twitter handle, Dhoni is seen signing documents. The video also captured Dhoni's daughter Ziva playing alongside him.

Thakida thakida thakida Thala @msdhoni!#ReturnOfTheSuperKings#SummerIsComing #WhistlePodu #goosebumps pic.twitter.com/hnkcXN6QOv

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 4, 2018

Dhoni was the first choice for Rising Pune Supergiants during the 2016 player draft, when the Pune outfit replaced CSK, who were slapped with a two-year ban following the fixing scandal.

Dhoni was the man at the helm of affairs when CSK were IPL champions in subsequent seasons in 2010 and 2011. The Champions League 2010 also saw Dhoni lead CSK to the title. His record speaks for itself as he has been a phenomenal presence in the Indian scheme of things as well, winning the 2007 World Twenty 20 and the 2011 World Cup for India.

Dhoni began his IPL career with CSK in the very first edition of the tournament in 2008. He has, over the 10 years, scored 3561 runs in 159 matches he has played for CSK and RPS, at an average of 37.88, with a highest score of 70 not out.

Meanwhile, Kings XI Punjab decided to retain one player in the form of Axar Patel, who  later took to Twitter to thank the fans. 

.@akshar2026 with a trademark message on his retention in the KXIP family! Here's to a lot more #ChikBoomBoomChikBoomBoom for years to come! #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #WelcomeBackAkshar pic.twitter.com/luu2qZnVqf

— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) January 4, 2018

The main auction of the Indian Premier League will take place on January 27, 28 with some big names set to go under the hammer.