Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has dismissed the idea that he is not receiving sufficient recognition for the franchise\u2019s sustained success, choosing instead to emphasise the role played by the players and the enduring influence of long-time captain MS Dhoni. Fleming has been leading CSK since 2009, after first taking part in the tournament as a player during the opening edition of the IPL. Over the years, his stewardship has helped build one of the most decorated phases in franchise cricket: CSK have won five IPL titles and also lifted two Champions League trophies. Yet after a run of disappointing results during IPL 2026, his position has faced fresh debate. Ahead of CSK\u2019s fourth match of the season\u2014an outing that comes with the side still searching for their maiden win\u2014Fleming struck a steady tone and redirected attention back to performance.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really the players,\u201d Fleming said before CSK\u2019s fourth game of IPL 2026 as they chase their first victory. He also spoke about Dhoni\u2019s impact, describing it as a privilege to have worked alongside one of the sport\u2019s most respected leaders. Fleming argued that coaching is only part of the equation: the crucial factor is what happens on the field. \u201cFor me, it\u2019s just another year of coaching, and it\u2019s always been like that. The players do the work. The off-field support matters a great deal, but it\u2019s the performances on the field that win trophies. Yes, we have a role in player fitness, player output and the mental side, but in the end coaches are evaluated through the players. I\u2019ve been lucky to work with one of the greatest captains ever, and I\u2019m proud of what we\u2019ve achieved, but I\u2019m not someone who craves personal accolades,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Fleming also pushed back against suggestions that his T20 coaching approach has become outdated. While acknowledging that recent outcomes have not gone CSK\u2019s way, he highlighted that his preparation is not limited to the IPL window. With CSK-linked roles across multiple tournaments, Fleming said his coaching and analysis work continues year-round, helping him stay close to how the shortest format evolves. \u201cCriticism is fair when you don\u2019t perform\u2014it\u2019s part of the role, part of the position. Look, I\u2019m coaching throughout the year and involved in two other competitions, and I\u2019m doing auctions across a lot of players. So it\u2019s not that I switch off and then arrive in the IPL without understanding where the game is heading. If anything, it\u2019s the other way around,\u201d he admitted.<\/p>\n
He pointed to CSK\u2019s current transition as another reason the side has needed time to find consistent rhythm. With several new names in the squad, Fleming suggested that settling into roles and building combinations can take longer for teams than it does for others. \u201cWe just need a bit of confidence and evidence, and that comes from winning. We haven\u2019t been too far off,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Fleming then assessed CSK\u2019s most recent outing, noting that even after posting a strong total of 210, the team fell short due to execution in the closing stages. \u201cWe weren\u2019t as accurate with the ball towards the end, but we still managed 210. So it\u2019s a really good sign that we\u2019re putting in the effort, that we\u2019re fully aware of what needs to change, and that the criticism is appropriate. We just have to work harder and find a way forward. But I do feel in touch with the game,\u201d Fleming said.<\/p>\n
In his remarks leading into the next challenge, Fleming also spoke positively about Dewald Brevis, a promising young South African who has attracted attention for his development. While remaining cautious about whether Brevis will be available for the upcoming match against Delhi Capitals, Fleming explained how the batter\u2019s early chances helped shape his understanding of his own game. \u201cTo have worked out his game at such a young age, he obviously got opportunities early and then he dropped off while figuring out how he wanted to play. I\u2019m sure there was plenty of advice during that time, but he\u2019s now moved through that phase and has real clarity on the way he wants to play. It\u2019s aggressive, it\u2019s very skillful, and it\u2019s becoming consistent. We value his input highly,\u201d Fleming said.<\/p>\n
Fleming added that Brevis has been a significant absence since the start of the season and suggested that, if he is fit and right for the match, it would be a boost to CSK\u2019s plans. \u201cHe\u2019s been a big miss since the start of the season. So, if he is right for this game, he\u2019ll be a nice addition,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has dismissed the idea that he is not receiving sufficient recognition for the franchise\u2019s sustained success, choosing instead…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1819,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"CSK Coach Stephen Fleming on IPL Success, Dhoni Role","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Stephen Fleming says CSK\u2019s IPL success isn\u2019t about him, praising MS Dhoni and the team\u2019s talent as the key to Chennai\u2019s enduring dominance.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1820","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n