Dhoni’s auction to CSK changed cricket: Former IPL auctioneer Richard Madley

“MS Dhoni, going once, going twice, sold to Chennai Super Kings for 1.5 million.USD (Rs 8 crore)” These words, spoken by auctioneer Richard Madley during the first IPL auction in February 2008, echoed through cricketing history. In that defining moment, the foundations of the Indian Premier League (IPL) were transformed, and the story of one of cricket’s greatest partnerships was born. Speaking exclusively to India Today.in, Madley reflected on how the hammer’s fall for Dhoni symbolised a seismic shift in the sport. “When I announced his name and saw the frenzy unfold, I knew cricket had changed forever,” he said.
The bidding war for Dhoni was electric. Madley shared fascinating details about the bidding war that unfolded for the then-Indian captain. With Rajasthan Royals, fresh off securing Shane Warne, entering the fray and Mumbai Indians also making their intentions clear, the competition for Dhoni was fierce. CSK, however, emerged victorious, thanks to a strategic and last-minute push led by VB Chandrasekhar, who overruled the franchise’s initial preference for Virender Sehwag. Madley, who helmed the IPL auctions for over a decade, admitted that the Dhoni moment remains the most memorable of his career.
“The very first auction back in 2008, I quickly looked down my sheets and think well who have I got here. I have got Shane Warne, there’s Adam Gilchrist Shoaib Akhtar, Muttiah Muralitharan there and of course play a number two it’s Mahendra Singh Dhoni…” Madley said.
“So the base price for MS Dhoni 400,000 dollars, and every hand in the room went up. Now I only wish that we had a camera out, but I’m the only person who can remember that moment…as the bidding went on and on and we got to 950,000 dollars, and then we’re at 1 million dollars. $1 million dollars. You quickly think – wow for a cricketer to play in a tournament for six weeks that’s amazing,” he added.
1,500,000 and then sold to Chennai and at that moment when I dropped my hammer, I thought to myself the world is changing. In fact, the world of cricket has changed at that moment. When my hammer came down then Mahendra Singh Dhoni was sold to Chennai, soon to become the Super Kings. Cricket will never be the same. And I’m the person here who made it all happen, and 16 years later you know I am the only I am the only person to have sold MS Dhoni. I will be the only person to have ever sold MS Dhoni.
The Rs 8 crore investment turned into one of the most significant decisions in IPL history. Under Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK blossomed into a powerhouse, winning five IPL titles and consistently being one of the league’s most formidable teams. However, Dhoni’s impact wasn’t just about the trophies. His leadership style, calm demeanor, and unparalleled connection with Tamil Nadu earned him the title of “Thala” (leader), making him a cultural phenomenon.
In IPL 2024, Dhoni passed the captaincy torch to Ruturaj Gaikwad, taking on a mentorship role while still delivering match-winning performances. Retained for Rs 4 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, speculation continues about whether this season will be Dhoni’s swansong.
Now retained for Rs 4 crore ahead of IPL 2025, speculation about Dhoni’s “last dance” continues. Whether this season becomes his swansong or another chapter in his storied career, one truth is undeniable: Dhoni’s journey from Ranchi to becoming “Thala” will forever define the legacy of CSK and the IPL.
From the moment Madley announced Dhoni’s name to his continued legacy in yellow, the partnership between Dhoni, CSK, and the IPL is a tale of vision, resilience, and unparalleled fandom—a story that began with the words, “Sold to Chennai Super Kings.”