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'Whatever Decision...,' Ben Stokes Reveals MS Dhoni's Influence On His Captaincy 

image-ls1ir5nqBen Stokes with Fleming (X.com)

Ben Stokes revealed one of the ethos behind England's adaptation of the aggressive 'Bazball' tactics since coach Brendon McCullum has come on board and emphasized that nothing in their set-up is done without keeping the team at a priority. 

The England skipper said he took inspiration from his IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) famed pairing of captain MS Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming, with the two giants aligning their 'incredible understanding'  towards the betterment of the team at all stages. 

Speaking to JioCinema about his captaincy philosophy and the traits he has looked to embrace and imbibe, Stokes said he has taken a leaf out of Dhoni and Flemings' book and takes no decision which won't help the side win a Test match from any situation. 

Stokes Takes Inspiration From Dhoni-Fleming Duo 

"Dhoni & Fleming have an incredible understanding - whatever decision they have to make, it is always based around what is best for the team - That is something me & Bazz always try to follow," Stokes said, having been part of the CSK family. 

Despite forming a pathbreaking duo with McCullum and reviving England's fortunes with an enterprising and brave brand of Test cricket, Stokes said he was initially hesitant to do captaincy and never had "aspirations" to be an England skipper. 

"It's something I never had any aspirations to do or really thought about too much, to be honest. I never really had too much responsibility around captaining or anything, either in age-group cricket or any other level."


"I had a little taste of it with the Durham Academy. This opportunity presented itself to me and it was something I couldn't turn down. It's a role I've grown into, it's a role that I've really enjoyed," he added. 

Under Stokes' captaincy, England have won 14 of their last 18 Test matches and pulled off a remarkable victory over India in the first Test of the ongoing series in Hyderabad. Stokes would try and further dent the home team's spirits with another win in the second Test in Vizag, starting February 2.