Chennaiyin FC’s new co-owner Mahendra Singh Dhoni, during a media conference, in Chennai, on Monday. (PTI)

Calcutta/Chennai: After Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has become the latest cricketer to be associated with the high-profile Hero Indian Super League (ISL) as he was announced as a co-owner of the Chennaiyin FC, on Monday.

The eight-team tournament will begin on October 12.

Dhoni, the Indian cricket team captain who has two world titles to his credit, will thus be joining Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan in the franchise’s co-owners’ list.

Dhoni’s Chennai connection needs no explanation as he has been successfully leading the Chennai Super Kings from the very first season of the IPL. His latest triumph with the Super Kings was the CLT20 win on Saturday.

The announcement on Monday was made by Chennaiyin FC co-owner Vita Dani.

Expressing his excitement on becoming a co-owner of the franchise, Dhoni said: “I used to be a goalkeeper in school and always enjoy playing and watching the game. I wanted to be associated with football, so when the opportunity came to be a part of the Chennaiyin FC, I was ecstatic… This gives me a chance to connect with the city of Chennai again. I have played franchise cricket for this city and so I know how supportive they are. I am sure all the players of Chennaiyin FC will see how much love Chennai gives to its players.

“The ISL is a fantastic platform for football to grow with so many big names associated with it. I look forward to an exciting season ahead, but at the same time, it’s important that we develop the grassroots level and produce more football stars in India.”

To a question if the ISL would be as successful as the IPL, Dhoni said: “Well it should be… There is good reason why all the big players have associated themselves with the ISL teams… All we need is support of the common man.”

On managing cricket and football, Dhoni said: “Cricket is my first preference and priority as I am representing my country. That is the biggest thing for me. Everything else comes after cricket… But when I get some time off cricket, I would love to spend the time with the ISL team… Maybe, I will also have a few sessions with them.

“I can share my experiences with them... In any sport, the pressure situation in a match is the same and therefore there will be genuine interaction between me and the players in our team.”

Asked about the business side of his association with Chennaiyin FC, Dhoni said: “Well, as of now I am not thinking about money. I wanted to get associated with football, the reason being that I started off as a footballer and I could not make it… It is my first love and it is a glamour sport.”