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'He Goes In Early And Players Gravitate' - Fleming On Dhoni's Role In Pre-Season Camp

MS Dhoni is heading for his 15th season as CSK captain via IPL 2024 [X.com]MS Dhoni is heading for his 15th season as CSK captain via IPL 2024 [X.com]

Stephen Fleming emphasized the role played by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni during the team's pre-season camp held before the start of the IPL 2024, stating why the legend had entered prep mode early and how players feel inspired to put in the hard yards in his presence. 

The Super Kings head coach, who has been a constant figure in the franchise's longstanding set-up alongside their esteemed captain, said Dhoni has tried to make up for the lack of competitive cricket and playing rhythm by extending his preparation time with the side and the rest of the group "gravitate" towards the man. 

Fleming underlined how Dhoni has led the way in CSK's preparations during the camp where the franchise has been undergoing a series of match simulations and physical drills before taking on the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their opening clash on March 22 in Chepauk. 


Fleming On Dhoni's Role In Pre-Season Camp 

"Given the age of some of the players and amount of cricket they're playing, our pre-season has extended over the last few years. So MS takes a very strong role there and he needs some volume, so he goes in early and the players just gravitate towards that," Fleming was quoted as saying on CSK's website. 


"It enables young Indian players to reconnect, and then international players who've had commitments, they tend to come in a bit later. The big benefits that our local Indian players get is, one, time, to spend with MS Dhoni, and two, a chance to get back into the system," he added. 

Forever a pragmatic individual, Dhoni has been mindful of age-related issues and constraints holding him back. The legend has thus made sure he reaches the pre-season training camp early and undergoes best possible training for the rigours of on-field duties. 

The great wicketkeeper-batter will be leading CSK in his 15th season at the helm of affairs, having taken them to the trophy a joint-most five times, including the IPL 2023. 

The defending champions will be eyeing a fitting farewell to their skipper, for whom the IPL 2024 could be his last assignment in competitive cricket.