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    STUMP VISION                                                             APRIL 17, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 38

                                                                      IPL 2026

                       The Importance of Being Dhoni:

             CSK Feel the Weight of ‘Captain Cool’

                                                  Even in Absence

            Even at 44, MS Dhoni’s influence continues to define Chennai Super Kings on and off the field.

            OUR BUREAU
            Mumbai
                 or  the  Indian  Premier  League  franchise
                 Chennai Super Kings, the idea of life without
            FMahendra Singh Dhoni remains more theo-
            retical than real. Even sidelined with a calf strain,
            the veteran wicketkeeper-batter’s imprint looms
            large — in the dressing room, in strategy meetings,
            and in the psyche of a team still learning how to
            function without its enduring talisman.
                CSK’s 2026 campaign began on a jarring note
            with an eight-wicket defeat to Rajasthan Royals in
            Guwahati. The side managed just 127, a total dis-
            mantled by a blistering 15-ball half-century from
            Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Yet, beyond the numbers, the
            match exposed a deeper void — the absence of Dho-
            ni, who missed the opening weeks of the tournament.
                “It is just a game without him. He is still heavily
            involved in the side, and his influence remains very
            strong,” head coach Stephen Fleming said, underlin-
            ing that Dhoni’s role transcends his on-field presence.
                That  influence  has  been  built  over  decades.
            From a modest upbringing to global superstardom,
            Dhoni’s journey remains one of cricket’s most com-       Beyond cricket, Dhoni’s relevance has expanded into business and cultural spheres (ANI photo)
            pelling narratives. Long before he became “Captain
            Cool,” Dhoni was a ticket collector in Kharagpur,   missals before retiring in 2020.       understanding of pressure situations, honed over
            frequenting a small tea stall near the railway station.   Yet, in the IPL, retirement has never quite   years  at  the  highest  level,  continues  to  influence
            The stall, now known for its association with him,   meant departure.                      how CSK approach games. Teammates often speak
            stands as a reminder of his grounded beginnings.  For CSK, Dhoni remains both a mentor and   of his ability to read matches — a skill that does not
                “This was his hangout spot,” recalled George,   a strategic anchor. Even as captain Ruturaj Gaik-  diminish with age or absence.
            nephew of the stall’s owner Thomas. “He would sit here   wad leads a squad blending youth and experience,   Beyond cricket, Dhoni’s relevance has expand-
            for hours with his friends, sipping tea and chatting.”  Dhoni’s presence continues to guide decision-mak-  ed into business and cultural spheres. His recent
                Those early years forged not just resilience but   ing. His absence from the playing XI in the open-  investment in Kuku TV, an AI-driven storytelling
            a sense of loyalty that continues to define Dhoni’s   ing game — alongside long-time teammate Suresh   platform, reflects a willingness to embrace innova-
            persona. When Thomas later suffered a severe   Raina — marked the end of an era, breaking a re-  tion. “The platform really stood out to me… I be-
            brain stroke, Dhoni — despite his commitments —   markable streak of appearances.          lieve in their vision of building an AI-driven story-
            remained  closely  involved  from  afar,  tracking  his   The challenge now lies in transitioning without   telling platform from Bharat, for Bharat, and for the
            recovery through a friend and ensuring timely sup-  losing identity.                       world,” Dhoni said, highlighting a mindset that has
            port. The intervention extended beyond healthcare;   “We have invested in youth and Indian talent,   always been forward-looking.
            when the tea stall faced demolition, Dhoni stepped   and there is real energy in the group. The first game   For CSK, that same mindset is invaluable. In
            in to help preserve the livelihood of a man who had   is always a good barometer, and we are focused on   a league defined by rapid change and high stakes,
            once served him tea.                         starting well,” Fleming said.                 Dhoni offers continuity — a bridge between past
                Such stories have long contributed to Dhoni’s   That youth includes players like Dewald Brevis,   success and future ambition.
            aura, but it is his cricketing legacy that cements his   whose aggressive batting has added a new dimen-  At  44,  few  athletes  retain  such  significance.
            enduring relevance. He led India to three major   sion to the squad. Brevis, however, missed the open-  Fewer still command the kind of respect that en-
            ICC titles — the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011   er and is currently undergoing rehabilitation.  sures their presence is felt even in absence. For
            ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy     “Yes, Brevis is out and is currently rehabbing.   Chennai, Dhoni is not just a player nearing the twi-
            —  redefining  leadership  with  his  calm  demeanor   Hopefully, it won’t be too long before he returns,”   light of his career; he is an institution.
            and tactical acumen. Over a career spanning for-  Fleming added.                              And as the early struggles of the season suggest,
            mats, Dhoni amassed 17,266 international runs,   But even as new faces emerge, the team’s emo-  replacing an institution is far more complex than
            scored 16 centuries, and effected more than 800 dis-  tional and tactical core remains tied to Dhoni. His   filling a spot in the XI.

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