Karthik stated he was almost sure to be snapped up by CSK for the inaugural edition in 2008, as he was "the biggest name from Tamil Nadu" at the time. But the move never materialised, as CSK bought MS Dhoni for the then record price and didn't go for Karthik at all.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/dinesh-karthik-was-surprised-when-csk-picked-ms-dhoni-for-inaugural-ipl/articleshow/75316704.cms