MS Dhoni is engaged, determined and ready to go: Stephen Fleming

Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming reckons that MS Dhoni is fit as a fiddle and is raring to take the field in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 39-year-old Jharkhand-born hasn’t played any form of cricket since the 2019 World Cup and is set for a return to competitive cricket after a gap of more than 14 months.

Fleming feels that the break could do wonders for Dhoni, who hasn’t been short of determination and oomph as per the coach. Fleming, also a former New Zealand captain, said that the CSK players know the art of absorbing pressure, an attribute that has helped them taste loads of success.

MS Dhoni is fresh, says Fleming

“It has been no different. He’s very fit and mentally, he’s been very engaged and determined. In some ways the break can work for the experienced and older players that we have. MS is fresh and ready to go,” Fleming was quoted as saying in an interview to CSK’s official website.

“…experienced players identify key times and that’s why they’ve done so well in their careers. They can turn games, absorb pressure or just sum out the situation. That’s what experience is about and that’s why we value it so highly,” he stated.

“And that’s why we’ve been able to get over the line in so many close games because the key player has been one with a lot of experience. And you also mix that with skill. You are conscious of having a skilful side and adding youth when we can and with that get the balance pretty right,” Fleming added.

Ever since the IPL started back in 2008, Dhoni has been a linchpin for the Super Kings. The veteran has led CSK to the playoffs on every other occasion and has won the championship three times. Last year, they narrowly missed out, losing to the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the final by one run.

In 2020, Dhoni and Co will start their campaign against Rohit Sharma’s MI on Saturday, September 19 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Going into the game, it’s pertinent to note that CSK are on a five-match losing streak against the Mumbai-based franchise.