Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming denied on Friday that he is having trouble keeping up with the quickly changing IPL, claiming that despite recent losses, he is still very much in touch with the new T20 game.
Fleming agreed that results determine perception in response to criticism following his patchy performances this IPL season, but he insisted that scrutiny is a necessary part of the job.
“Criticism is fair when you don’t do well,” he said, while emphasizing how his year-round participation in player auctions and coaching across leagues keeps him in regular contact with international T20 trends.
“Look, I’m coaching throughout the year and two other competitions, and I’m doing auctions across a lot of players. So it’s not that I just turn off and then come to the IPL without an idea of where the game is going. In fact, it’s the other way. I probably never spent more time studying T20 cricket around players around the world, just to service the other teams as well, which feeds into the IPL.”
Although the former captain of New Zealand acknowledged that CSK was “off the pace” the previous season, he claimed that the squad has now responded by implementing a strategic reset that includes the addition of younger players. “So, yeah, we were off the pace last year, I’m the first to put my hand up and admit it. And we pivoted quite quickly now and we’re in a position where we’ve got some younger players.
“I feel very confident about this group of players. And in line with other teams, we haven’t shown that this year,” Fleming said ahead of their match against Delhi Capitals in Chennai.
He acknowledged the difficulties of integrating numerous new players while expressing faith in the current team.
“One of the challenges is the number of players we’ve changed… there is a settling process,” Fleming noted, adding that other teams have benefited from greater continuity. We understand that, so we’re trying to accelerate that process. And we just need a little bit of confidence and a bit of evidence, and that comes from getting across the line. And we haven’t been too far off.”
Citing recent performances when the team came close despite narrow margins, he emphasized that CSK is aiming to expedite integration among the group and remain competitive.
“Look, it’s a really good sign that we’re working very hard and we’re well aware, I’m well aware, and the criticism is appropriate. So, we just have to work harder and find a way forward. But I do feel in touch with the game, thank you.”
Additionally, Fleming gave players credit for the team’s prior achievements, emphasizing that although preparation and mentality are important aspects of coaching, “performances on the field win titles.”
“It’s actually purely the players. For me, it just gives us another year coaching. And it’s always been the case. The players do it. The coaching off the field is really important, but the performances on the field win titles.
“And, yes, we play a part in the fitness of players, the performance of players, the mental state of players, but ultimately the coaches are judged on the players,” he said.
Fleming also considered his long-standing relationship with MS Dhoni, one of the most successful leaders in the game, calling himself “incredibly lucky” to have collaborated with him. Personal recognition has never been a priority, he added.
“I’ve worked with one of the greatest captains of all time, and I’ve been incredibly lucky to do that as a coach. So, look, it’s not lost on me, and I’m proud of the results, but it’s not something that I crave or desire to get accolades for,” Fleming said.
Fleming saw both a difficulty and an opportunity in the changing mindset of younger cricket players. He commended their level of expertise and courageous demeanor, but warned against being overly aggressive without situational knowledge.
“There is consequence in cricket, particularly batting,” he said, highlighting the necessity of striking a balance between game sense and attacking intent.
