IPL 2021: 'MS Dhoni has been absolute heartbeat of CSK,' says coach Stephen Fleming

Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni became the first player to play for the men in yellow in 200 games. Dhoni, who has been with the franchise since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has become synonymous with CSK and played his 176th game for the franchise in the IPL, going with his 24 appearances in the now-defunct Champions League T20.

Dhoni, who regarded his journey with the CSK as a very interesting one was applauded by his other constant in the 14 years journey with the team, coach Stephen Fleming. Fleming, who was with the franchise as the player for the first two seasons, has been the head coach since 2010.

Answering a DNA query after his side's game against the Punjab Kings about Dhoni's journey with the franchise, Fleming said, "He's been the absolute heartbeat of CSK. There's no doubt about it. Whether it's performances or guidance or leadership, you sort of, run out of things to say about him.

"But his longevity is also something now that is to be appreciated and mentioned but to play the 200 games and still have a desire to do well and perform well is a testament to his attitude, firstly towards the game but also to the franchise as well. I think the franchise has grown as MS has grown with it. So, it's a very good relationship and a great fit," the coach added.

"Playing 200 games and still have the desire to do well is a testament to #MSDhoni's attitude, firstly towards the game and the franchise as well," says #CSK coach Stephen Fleming. #PBKSvCSK #IPL2021 @ChennaiIPL #StephenFleming
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— DNA (@dna) April 17, 2021

Dhoni's 200th game was made more joyful by the Chennai Super Kings as they came back strongly into the tournament beating the Punjab Kings easily by 6 wickets, chasing a modest total of 107 runs. Deepak Chahar was the pick of the bowlers for CSK taking four wickets for just 13 runs with 18 dot balls in his quota of four overs. With that win, the CSK were on the board with two points, while PBKS faced their first loss of the 2021 edition.