IPL 2024 Auction: CSK Head Coach Stephen Fleming Addresses Question On MS Dhoni's Successor In Dubai

CSK Head Coach Stephen Fleming is currently in Dubai attending the IPL 2024 auction. Chennai have made a few interesting buys roping in the likes of Shardul Thakur, Daryl Mitchell, and Rachin Ravindra.

While Shardul was roped in for 4 crores, Ravindra joined the team for 1.80 crores. Chennai broke the bank to rope in the services of Dary Mitchell. He cost the franchise 14 crores while Chennai had just over 31 crores heading into the IPL 2024 auction.

In between the auction, CSK head coach Fleming was asked about MS Dhoni and his possible successor in the IPL. Dhoni is 42 and will probably be playing his last season in the IPL. CSK are the defending champions of the IPL having won the IPL title in 2023. They have won twice in the last three seasons.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Rachin Ravindra Bought By CSK For Rs 1.80 Crores In IPL Auction 2024

Addressing the media, Fleming said that the CSK management has been sure about MS Dhoni’s successor for the last 10 years. They roped in Ben Stokes with the same vision in IPL 2023. However, the England Test skipper’s constant injuries in the recent past and his international commitments meant that Chennai had to wait.

We Had Succession Plans For MS Dhoni For About 10 Years: Stephen Fleming

“We’ve had succession plans for MS for about 10 years. 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” said Stephen Fleming.

Fleming also spoke about the assumption of Daryl Mitchell into CSK colors. He said that the Kiwi all-rounder’s style of cricket would suit the Chepauk conditions and the pitch as well. Mitchell scored two centuries in the World Cup and both against India.

“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.

Speaking about MS Dhoni, the CSK skipper, has scored 4508 runs in 220 matches for Chennai Super Kings. He has a chance to get close to 5000 runs for the franchise if he bats up the order and allows himself some game time. He played a few impactful cameos last season in Chennai’s title-winning season.

“If our leader has given a word, he has never gone back. He already told what he was planning to do in that interview. I am sure that knowing MS, he will always do what he has committed to do. He is quite fit. Thalaivan is thalaivan (our leader is our leader),” Kasi Viswanathan said in a video shared by CSK after the IPL 2023 season.

Also Read: Shardul Thakur Bought By CSK For Rs 4 Crores In IPL Auction 2024