Dhoni was contracted by the Chennai Super Kings for US$1.5 million. This made him the most expensive player in the IPL for the first season auctions.[163] Under his captaincy, Chennai Super Kings won the 2010 and 2011 and 2018 Indian Premier League titles and the 2010 and 2014 Champions League T20 titles.[164]
After the suspension of CSK for two years, he was bought by Rising Pune Supergiant for US$1.9 million in 2016, and was named captain. However, his team finished in 7th place. In 2017, his team reached the final, where they lost to Mumbai Indians.
In the 2018 IPL season, Chennai Super Kings returned to IPL, and Dhoni was again selected to lead the franchise. Dhoni scored 455 runs in the tournament and led his side to their third IPL title.[165]
Playing style
Dhoni is a right-handed batsman and wicket-keeper. Initially, Dhoni appeared as a lower-order attacking batsman but he gradually changed his playing style to deal with high-pressure scenarios and his growing responsibility as a captain. He is a powerful hitter of the ball and is one of the fastest men in running between the wickets.[166] He made use of the helicopter shot technique,[167] taught to him by fellow player and childhood friend Santosh Lal.[168][169]
His wicket-keeping skill is widely praised by cricket experts.[citation needed] He has a world record for the highest number of stumpings by any wicket-keeper.[170] He is the main wicket-keeper in the team but he occasionally bowls as a medium-fast bowler.