He has created the perception of a seamless journey from serving as an Indian Railways employee to emerging as a prominent cricket star, clinching multiple World Cup and IPL victories, to ultimately, casually engaging in a game of volleyball using his feet on a Thursday evening.
Approximately two hours before this training session, a pivotal decision, potentially life-altering, was evidently made by him (if not by him directly, then by someone closely associated). Yet, there he was, vigorously hitting the ball to the opposite end of the field, his long hair reminiscent of days gone by swaying in the breeze.
With an impressive record of two-hundred and thirty-five games as the captain of CSK, he falls short of Virat Kohli’s entire IPL career by just two matches. Throughout these matches, he consistently managed to astonish spectators. Reflecting on a memorable incident from the past, there was a momentous evening when a glitch in the system led to a surge of emotions. Few celebrations in the 16-year history of this tournament could rival the raw display of emotion when the individual known as Captain Cool momentarily lost composure, almost resorting to self-directed physical gestures. Nonetheless, this display was overshadowed when, ten months ago, he lifted a fellow player despite his own physical limitations, showcasing unparalleled determination.
During Thursday’s practice, it was [unidentified individual] who prevented Dhoni from taking his place at the crease. Despite delivering powerful shots down the field and over cover, the applause remained absent. The sparse crowd of around a hundred individuals present at the venue had their focus solely on one person. Known for his quirky leg guards, signature phrase “Well, of course,” and tendency to surprise with unexpected revelations.
When his turn to bat arrived, he once again defied expectations. Dhoni’s practice sessions in the IPL serve as a test of the durability of cricket balls, as he relentlessly strikes them. Commencing with a ‘dokku’ (Chennai slang for block), he reminded everyone of his vulnerability to deliveries of a specific length around the off stump. Adjusting swiftly, the individual operating the sidearm redirected the line closer to Dhoni’s body, resulting in a flurry of vintage shots along the leg-side boundary. The iconic helicopter shot made a brief appearance, sending the ball soaring out of the ground and serving as a warning to bowlers contemplating wide yorkers.
Commenting on Dhoni’s formidable power, the CSK coach expressed both amazement and annoyance at the ease with which he wields it. Acknowledging Dhoni’s unwavering commitment and preparation during the pre-season, the coach expressed optimism regarding his future contributions in the lower order.
The transition in captaincy, characterized by Dhoni’s instinctual decision-making, holds significant weight for both him and the franchise. The previous attempt at this transition was met with challenges, emphasizing the monumental task of succeeding a legendary figure like Dhoni. This change signifies more than just a shift in leadership; it symbolizes a shift in the team’s ethos and dynamics, posing a unique challenge for CSK to navigate.
As CSK prepares for this transition, they must support their new captain and shield him from external scrutiny against the backdrop of Dhoni’s unparalleled legacy. The adjustment period will inevitably be fraught with challenges, but with a seasoned coach like Fleming at the helm, the team appears better equipped to manage the transition smoothly.
Fleming’s light-hearted demeanor, evident in his subtle humor during the announcement, serves as a source of comfort amidst the emotional transition. The slip of the tongue where he unintentionally referred to Dhoni as captain underscores the lingering impact of Dhoni’s legacy and the time required for everyone to acclimate to the new reality.