IPL 2021 | ‘Dhoni the heartbeat of CSK,’ says CSK coach Fleming

CSK celebrated Dhoni’s milestone of 200 games with the team with its maiden win in IPL 2021

Mahendra Singh Dhoni may have joked about playing his 200th game in Chennai Super Kings’ yellow as a sign of him “getting old”, but head coach Stephen Fleming said the achievement is a testament to his commitment to the franchise. “He has been absolutely the heartbeat of CSK, there’s no doubt about it. Whether it’s performances, guidance or leadership… you run out of things to say about him,” Fleming said on Friday after CSK celebrated Dhoni’s milestone with its maiden win in IPL 2021. “His longevity also has to be mentioned and appreciated... to play 200 games and still have a desire to do well and perform well is a testament to his attitude towards the game and the franchise. I think the franchise has grown and MS has grown with it, so it’s a very good relationship and great fun.”