'Greatest captain..': CSK head coach Stephen Fleming credits Ms Dhoni for CSK's success
Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming downplayed personal credit for the franchise's success, emphasizing player contributions and MS Dhoni's leadership. Fleming acknowledged recent scrutiny but defended his T20 approach, citing year-round involvement in global leagues and a current transition phase for CSK. He also praised Dewald Brevis's potential impact.
Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has brushed aside suggestions that he hasn’t received enough credit for the franchise’s success, instead choosing to spotlight the contributions of players and long-time captain MS Dhoni for success of the franchise. Fleming, who has been at the helm since 2009 after featuring as a player in the inaugural IPL season, has overseen one of the most successful eras in franchise cricket. Under his guidance, CSK have lifted five IPL titles and two Champions League trophies.
However, following a string of underwhelming performances in IPL 2026, his role has come under scrutiny. Addressing the criticism ahead of CSK’s fourth match of the season, still searching for their first win, Fleming remained grounded. “It’s actually purely the players,” Fleming said ahead of CSK's fourth clash of the IPL 2026 season in the quest for their maiden win.
He further acknowledged the influence of Dhoni, calling himself fortunate to have worked alongside one of the game’s greatest leaders. "For me, it just gives us another year of 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.