Mahendra Singh Dhoni was back at his ‘spiritual home’, Chennai Super Kings, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained India captain Virat Kohli during the much-publicised yet predictable Indian Premier League retentions on Thursday.

Mumbai Indians had the league’s most successful captain Rohit Sharma back in their stable as most of the retentions happened on expected lines.

Current Australia skipper Steve Smith was Rajasthan Royals’ only pick, while his deputy, David Warner, remains with Sunrisers Hyderabad, along with pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Missing name

One of the notable names not to be retained is long-time Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir, who is now back in the auction pool, with West Indians Sunil Narine and Andre Russell being the Shah Rukh Khan co-owned franchise’s two picks.

Kings XI Punjab had left-arm spinner Axar Patel in their ranks, while South African Chris Morrisand Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer are back with Delhi Daredevils.

Three retentions

The franchises that have gone for full three retentions are CSK, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils and RCB.

CSK has retained their powerhouse performers Ravindra Jadeja and Suresh Raina as their second and third choice, respectively.

AB de Villiers is RCB’s second retention while they have kept uncapped Sarfaraz Khan for ₹3 crore, putting Chris Gayle back in the auction pool.

For Mumbai Indians, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah are second and third retentions.

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