Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the head of the Chennai fans, there were non-stop shouts for Dhoni in the stadium the other day. But following a while the name of another actor was heard
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set. Chennai Super Kings is one of the most admired teams in the history of the tournament. Even the team’s training matches are crowded. That is what we saw at the MA Chidambaram Stadium yesterday. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the head of the Chennai fans, there were non-stop chants for Dhoni in the stadium. But following 25 minutes, the fans cheered for all-rounder Ben Stokes as well.
Dhoni may lead Chennai for the next one or two years. But the fans gave the answer to the question of what will be beyond that? Of course, the Chennai management will have faith in Stokes’ leadership as much as the fans. But that remote will be in Dhoni’s hands. There is no better person than Dhoni to answer the big question of who should lead Chennai next.
Even before there was a final decision or even a hint, fans started celebrating for Stokes on social media. Several reels have appeared with the caption Chosen one. It is also worth noting that before debuting for Chennai, Stokes is getting the acceptance that the greats of world cricket such as Dwayne Bravo, Matthew Hayden, Mike Hussey, Brendon McCullum and others did not get in the team.
It has been learned that Stokes is one of the players Dhoni gave prime consideration to in the discussions before the mega star auction. Stokes played for Rising Pune Super Giants under Dhoni. That’s why coach Stephen Fleming and Dhoni know the England star’s talent exactly. The team is also making an extraordinary rise following taking over the leadership of England in Test cricket.
It is certain that Fleming would have approached the current England coach and former Chennai player McCullum for this. Fans were disappointed following Chennai were eliminated without seeing the playoffs in 2020. But the 2021 title was to prove that nothing is over. The Chennai management may not have thought of another captain as Dhoni was there. But things are not going to be like that anymore and Stokes is also in this situation.
Like Dhoni, Stokes is a man who focuses on excellence and simply wants to take the game forward. For example, Stokes was able to implement the coach’s theory similarly when he took over as England’s captain. Like Dhoni, Stokes may be able to replicate Fleming’s decades-long tactics. Like Dhoni, Stokes is a player who can excite fans with his big performances. A perfect successor to the fans’ Captain Cool.
The upcoming season will also be a golden opportunity for Stokes to understand Chennai’s ways and movements.
