IPL 2021: Is MS Dhoni still an integral part of Chennai Super Kings? Stephen Fleming responds

MS Dhoni is the legendary former skipper of Team India while he continues to lead former three-time Indian Premier League champion Chennai Super Kings. He holds the record of being the longest-reigning skipper of the side and in the tournament as well.

When it comes to Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, the first thing that one recalls is its legendary skipper MS Dhoni. Although he might be retired from international cricket, his fans are happy to see him lead CSK.

Nonetheless, since IPL 2020, his performance seems to have taken a toll, along with his captaincy skills, as he failed to lead the side to the playoffs for the first time while it finished seventh. In IPL 2021, it is off to a mixed start so far.

As a result, experts and critics reckon that Dhoni's best might be over, and it is time for CSK to move beyond him. However, the CSK head coach Stephen Fleming feels that Dhoni still has an integral role to play in the side's success.

"His (Dhoni's) longevity has to be mentioned and appreciated... to play 200 games and still have a desire to do well is a testament to his attitude towards the game and franchise. I think the franchise has grown and MS has grown with it, so it is a great relationship and great fun," said Fleming during the press conference following CSK's win over Punjab Kings on Friday, reports PTI.

"He (Dhoni) is the heartbeat of CSK; there's no doubt about it. Whether it's performance, guidance or leadership, you run out of things to say about him," added Fleming.

CSK has so far played a couple of games in IPL 2021, winning and losing each. Currently, it is placed second in the points table.