MS Dhoni opens up on IPL spot-fixing case and his relationship with N Srinivasan and Gurunath Meiyappan

What's the story?

MS Dhoni has finally opened up about what he told the probe panel on the Gurunath Meiyappan-IPL spot-fixing case. The former Indian skipper quashed all the rumours which stated that he told the panel Meiyappan was a 'cricket enthusiast'.

All of these revelations come in a book titled "Democracy XI" by journalist Rajdeep Sardesai.

"Let me tell you, it is an absolute lie that I told a probe panel that Meiyappan was only a cricket enthusiast, all I said is he had nothing to do with the team's on-field cricketing decisions. I can't even pronounce the word 'enthusiast'."

The wicketkeeper-batsman also opined on the rumoured backing from former BCCI chief N Srinivasan, saying that he 'doesn't care' what the general consensus about his relationship with the managing director of India Cements Limited is and that he felt Srinivasan was 'always there to help cricketers'.

However, Srinivasan also revealed in the same book about how and why he vetoed to keep Dhoni as the captain in 2012, going against the selectors' choice.

"Yes, it is true that I vetoed the decision to drop Dhoni as captain. How can you drop someone as captain within a year of his lifting the World Cup?"

In case you didn't know...

Chennai Super Kings, along with Rajasthan Royals, were suspended for two years from the IPL and they are scheduled to be back in the fray next season.

The heart of the matter

Dhoni also talked about the accusations of match-fixing from media-persons which were thrown at him after Meiyappan's name came up in the spot-fixing case.

"That is where I really have to draw the line. Please criticize me but how can you accuse me of something like fixing a cricket game after all that the game has given me. For media-persons to say things like 'there can be no smoke without fire' is crazy. That is why I don't want to even talk to the media."

MSD added that this is the reason he prefers staying away from the media, irrespective of his performances on the field and that they can write whatever they wish to.

What's Next?

Meiyappan was suspended for life by the Lodha Committee, whereas Srinivasan was made to step down from the post of BCCI chief because of 'conflict of interest'. Moreover, the latter has now transferred all his shares in CSK to the India Cements shareholders and is no longer the owner of the franchise.

The team, however, is set to be back for the next season and in all likelihood, Dhoni will lead them on the field.

Author's Take

Dhoni, being a widely respected personality on and off the cricket field, will now want to stay clear of such irregularities and controversies and help CSK get back to its brilliant best.