IPL 2021: Comeback King MS Dhoni not completed but, goals for richer legacy with Chennai Super Kings

MS Dhoni had made a promise after Chennai Super Kings’ closing sport of Indian Premier League 2020. They have been knocked out of the play-offs race for the primary time within the historical past of the event after a horror run within the UAE.

“We will come back strong. That is what we’re known for,” Dhoni stated with the boldness that has outlined him over time.Rewind a bit extra and return to 2018. CSK have been all set to return again to the IPL after a 2-year hiatus. Dhoni despatched CSK followers right into a tizzy when he posted a photograph of himself sporting a particular “Thala” yellow jersey. It was a sign of intention.Dhoni walked the discuss on each events. Before the beginning of IPL 2018, not many gave CSK an opportunity to return to their glory days. At the public sale, Chennai went for expertise over youth and the tag of Dad’s Army caught with them ever since.But the Dad’s Army has defied odds not as soon as however twice. Dhoni did it with CSK in 2018 and proved as soon as once more in 2021 that CSK belief their course of and do not actually trouble concerning the perceptions and predictions — in Virat Kohli’s phrases, “outside noise”‘Dad’s Army proud after profitable it twice'”It’s very hard to rank them because we have all worked so very hard,” stated head coach Stephen Fleming who has been a part of all 4 CSK victories within the IPL after the Super Kings clinched their 4th title, beating Kolkata Knight Riders in Friday’s IPL 2021 closing.”I think the one in 2018, coming back, was very emotional. But there is a lot of hard work in this one. You think back to when we were called Dad’s Army in the first year, I don’t think a lot of people had any hope for us to be able to maintain competitiveness during the cycle.”When there was one other 12 months added, we have been just about written off. So there’s a little little bit of satisfaction round that and numerous satisfaction in what we have now been capable of obtain. And keep the requirements over the variety of months with an ageing facet,” Fleming added.As Fleming pointed out, the postponement of the mega auction after IPL 2020 must have hurt CSK the most as they had struggled with an ageing side in the UAE last year. Hardly anything went CSK’s way as they were not able to adapt to the conditions in the UAE which were vastly different to India for which CSK’s squad was picked.However, contrary to expectations, CSK did not go for a complete overhaul of the side. Despite the poor run in IPL 2020, CSK stuck to most of their old guns and made a couple of smart buys to bolster their squad.CSK once again proved the naysayers wrong, playing a fearless brand of cricket that was refreshing to see. Dhoni proved yet again that he learns from his mistakes swiftly as CSK tweaked little but crucial things to conquer the IPL 2021 challenge. Be it accelerating in the middle and not leaving a lot for the death with the bat or being conservative with spin in the UAE, CSK made sure they did not repeat the mistakes of the 2020 season.It has been a fruitful cycle for CSK from 2018 and 2021 as the core group that has served them well over the years, is looking likely to change with the mega auction coming up in a couple of months’ time.MS Dhoni coy about IPL future as a playerThe poker face was finally gone and MS Dhoni was brimming with smile after CSK hammered KKR by 27 runs in the IPL 2021 final. Dhoni was busy posing for photos with his teammates and their family members as CSK rejoiced their 4th title with their close ones in Dubai.Deep inside, MS Dhoni must have known that Friday was probably the last time he played with some of his trusted CSK buddies. Dhoni has been coy about his own future as a player for CSK.When commentator and popular broadcaster Harsha Bhogle pushed him to answer the big question after the IPL 2021 final, Dhoni maintained that his future as a player will depend on how the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans the auction and retention policies. With 2 new teams set to join the league from 2022, there is uncertainty over how many players teams would be allowed to retain.Dhoni, it seems, is willing to look at the bigger picture. Having forged an unforgettable bond with CSK over the years, the celebrated captain said he is particular that the team doesn’t suffer without a core group as strong as the one that has served CSK well over the last few years.”Again I’ve stated it earlier than, it is determined by the BCCI. With two new groups coming in……we have now to determine what is nice for CSK. It’s not about me being there within the high three or 4. It’s about making a robust core to make sure the franchise does not endure. The core group, we have now to have a tough look to see who can contribute for the subsequent 10 years,” Dhoni stated.One final masterstroke within the final dance?Whether or not MS Dhoni seems as a participant in IPL 2022, he will definitely be a part of the core decision-making group of CSK, particularly forward of what could possibly be a serious overhaul of the facet.Having led CSK to unimaginable highs and guided them by means of lows during the last 14 years, Dhoni desires to verify he’s on the helm of issues when the franchise enters an vital part.When CSK went into the public sale in 2008, they didn’t have an icon participant however the franchise went aggressively for Dhoni through the bidding course of and acquired a younger captain because the face of the facet. Along with CSK, Dnoni’s stature grew and a exceptional bond was fashioned.Dhoni desires one final dance with CSK. He is aware of he must take one massive determination that might play a decisive function in figuring out the efficiency of the franchise over the subsequent few years.And he desires to make it possible for that massive name is one other considered one of his masterstrokes. It’s higher to arrange for some surprises from the grasp tactician earlier than the Men in Yellow return to the sphere subsequent 12 months.Dhoni, it appears, desires to go away behind a richer legacy at CSK.