Stephen Fleming, the esteemed coach of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), recently discussed the team's leadership transition plans post-MS Dhoni's era. In a detailed talk following the team's strategic acquisitions, including Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and Shardul Thakur, Fleming shared insights into the long-term planning that has been in place for nearly a decade, involving Dhoni himself.
"We've had succession plans for MS for about 10 years," Fleming smiled. "It is going to be a talking point., but he is as engaged and as enthusiastic as I have seen him for a while. While that passion is there for the team and franchise, we'll roll on," Fleming said.
CSK, a dominant force in IPL history with multiple championships, faced a significant turning point in 2022 when they initially appointed Ravindra Jadeja as Dhoni's successor. This decision came just before the season's start, marking a new chapter in CSK's leadership. However, the transition wasn't smooth, as the team found itself struggling at the bottom of the points table, securing just one win from the first seven matches. This led to Dhoni reassuming the captaincy role mid-season.
In the following year, under Dhoni's leadership, CSK made a remarkable comeback. The team clinched the 2023 IPL title in a dramatic, rain-affected final against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, showcasing Dhoni's enduring prowess and leadership.
Fleming also spoke about Daryl Mitchell, CSK's recent acquisition and a star performer in the World Cup. While he refrained from drawing direct comparisons to Ben Stokes, Fleming acknowledged Mitchell's potential and suitability for the conditions at Chepauk Stadium, CSK's home ground. He highlighted Mitchell's versatile playing style and his ability to adapt to different roles and conditions, making him a valuable asset for the team.
"He played just one game, so not massive shoes. Daryl is a different type of player, but his performances over the last 18-24 months have warranted this type of a price. He is an unfashionable player, often goes under the radar. With his ability to play spin he is competitive and he is also a handy bowler. In Chepauk we can slide him into a role. Just like his performances, he fits in nicely and a good buy for us," he said.
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