Stephen Fleming labelled MS Dhoni the “absolute heartbeat” of Chennai Super Kings after the former India captain played his 200th game for the franchise.
Dhoni oversaw a return to form for Chennai as they beat Punjab Kings by six wickets in Mumbai on Friday night.
The former India captain has been central to the side being the most consistent in IPL history. Last season was the first in which Chennai have failed to make the playoffs in the competition.
He and coach Fleming are attempting to rebuild after that chastening campaign in the UAE last year, and the side bounced back from an opening day loss with a dominant display against Punjab.
“He has been the absolute heartbeat of CSK, whether it be performances, guidance or leadership,” Fleming said of Dhoni.
“You run out of things to say about him, but his longevity is something that is to be appreciated.
"To play 200 games and still have the desire to do well and perform well is a testament to his attitude, firstly towards the game but also to the franchise as well.
“The franchise has grown and MS has grown with it. It is a very good relationship and a great fit.”
The win over Punjab was set up by a fine new-ball burst by Deepak Chahar.
The opposition were reduced to 26 for five by the seventh over, with Chahar accounting for Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Deepak Hooda and Nicholas Pooran.
He ended with four for 13 from his four overs, and words of praise from his coach.
“I’m really impressed with how he bounced back after the first game [when Chahar went wicketless in the seven-wicket loss to Delhi Capitals],” Fleming said.
“We felt within our group that the conditions transpired against us with the drizzle and the dew, and we weren’t able to create any opportunities.
“The challenge was laid down to the bowling group as to how they were going to operate better in today’s conditions. Winning the toss is important to acknowledge, and there was some assistance there.
“Without doubt, when Deepak gets some assistance with a little bit of swing, he’s one of the finest around. His ability to swing the ball is one thing, but his skillset is also very high.
“The key really is keeping him simple in his plans, operating in and around the stumps, because he is so dangerous when the ball is swinging.”
