Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the epitome of calmness, says Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes is the most valuable player in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL). His price tag of Rs. 14.5 crores was regarded as questionable by many. But he answered all of the questions imposed by the critics, with an all-round performance. The English all-rounder took the Indian Premier League by fire in his debut season and is currently ranked as ‘Numero Uno’ in the Most Valuable Players’ list.

The all-rounder of the Supergiant has scored over 300 runs thus far and has picked up 12 wickets. He showed his calibre when he struck a wonderfully sculpted 103 not out, at a time when Pune were in dire need of a big inning from someone. ‘Stokesy‘ played his last match of IPL 10 on Sunday, where his team showed an example of complete dominance over Kings XI Punjab in a must-win encounter.

Stokes’ take on Dhoni

Speaking exclusively to The Telegraph (India) on Thursday at the ITC Maurya, Stokes said that he’s fortunate to share dressing room with Dhoni, Smithy and Faf, “The thing about international cricket is that you never really get to know the guys you play against… The T20 leagues allow you to actually know an individual… I’ve been fortunate to share the dressing room with MS and Steve and the likes of Faf du Plessis as well… In the hotel, MS keeps his door open and anybody can go in. He’s been very accommodating”

Stokes praised the calmness of former Indian national team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, “On the field, MS epitomises calmness and, from a cricket point of view, has the best angle in terms of field placements,” said the English all-rounder.

“Obviously, Steve’s the captain, but he’s aware that MS has the best angle and, so, has worked with him in setting fields. Indeed, Steve and MS have worked really well together,” added Stokes, talking about Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s exceptional ability to read the batsman’s mind and place his fielders accordingly.

Stokes was all praises for the Indian Premier League, as he felt this is the time when players learn more about the game from the legends of other countries. “The thing about international cricket is that you never really get to know the guys you play against… The T20 leagues allow you to actually know an individual… I’ve been fortunate to share the dressing room with MS and Steve and the likes of Faf du Plessis as well.”

He also revealed a little secret of MS Dhoni when he said, “In the hotel, MS keeps his door open and anybody can go in.”

Stokes landed in a bit of typographical trouble prior to his last match, when Jet Airways mistakenly printed his name as Ben ‘Strokes’ on the flight ticket to Pune. But fans are unhappy as they will not be able to witness anymore ‘Strokes’ from Stokes this season. Rising Pune Supergiant will be taking on their Maharashtrian counterparts Mumbai Indians on Sunday. It will be interesting to see how costly will Ben’s unavailability be for Pune, or will anyone else fill his vacant shoes.