Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming on Friday (April 10) dismissed claims that he is struggling to keep up with the rapidly evolving IPL, asserting that his year-round involvement in global T20 leagues keeps him fully in touch with the modern game.
Addressing the media ahead of CSK’s match against Delhi Capitals (DC), Fleming acknowledged that the severe criticism regarding the team's poor start to the 2026 IPL season is justified, noting that results dictate perception.
“Criticism is fair when you don’t do well. Look, I’m coaching throughout the year and two other competitions (SA20 and MLC), 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,” Fleming told reporters.
“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,” he added.
Fleming admitted the team was "off the pace" last season, leading to a strategic shift incorporating younger players to revitalize the squad.
“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," he stated.
The former New Zealand skipper expressed confidence in the current squad, even as he emphasized the challenges of integrating several fresh faces.
“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."
Fleming believes while off-field coaching builds the foundation, preparation, and mindset, it is purely the on-field execution by the players that translates into title wins.
“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 feels "incredibly lucky" to have worked for so long with MS Dhoni, whom he considers one of the "greatest captains of all time". The coach added that personal recognition has never been his priority, saying he is simply "proud of the results" achieved by the team.
“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," he said.
Fleming praised the skill level and fearless approach of young cricketers, but warned against excessive aggression without situational awareness.
“There is consequence in cricket, particularly batting," he said, highlighting the need to balance attacking intent with game sense.
(With PTI Inputs)
