The moment when Dhoni, Raina, Jadeja signed CSK contracts

Mumbai: The moment Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council made it clear that CSK and Rajasthan Royals (RR) can retain the players who moved to Gujarat Lions (GL) and Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) after the teams were suspended for two years following the spot-fixing saga, it was a given that the Chennai-based side will bring back Thala and chinna thala – MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina – as the team begins a new journey.

CSK played the “core” card and retained Dhoni, Raina and Jadeja as all the eight IPL team announced the names of the retained cricketers in Mumbai on Thursday.

While there was a bit of suspense about who would be the third player they would retain, CSK did not spring too many surprises as they retained Ravindra Jadeja.

CSK played the “core” card and retained Dhoni, Raina and Jadeja as all the eight IPL team announced the names of the retained cricketers in Mumbai on Thursday.

While the Dhoni, Raina and Jadeja retention sent CSK fans into frenzy, CSK social media channels went on to post the videos of how the trio signed the contract as the fans clearly welcomed the three with open arms.

“CSK is very special and I think we have done pretty well in Yellow. The crowds and fans have been fantastic in Chennai and have always given me and the team unconditional love and support. Chennai, I always say, is my second home,” said Dhoni.

Raina, meanwhile, said that he missed the Chepauk crowd over the last two years.

“Vanakkam Chennai! Good to be back to CSK after two years. And, looking forward to playing in front of my beautiful crowd and knowledgeable crowd, what I’ve missed the last two years. See you out there, in Chepauk Stadium," said Raina.

Happy with his CSK reunion, Jadeja said,"Hi guys, I’m really excited and very happy to be a part of the CSK team again. So, hopefully guys, you enjoy our action and we will try and win as many games as (possible) for CSK. Whistle Podu!"