CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress / ITDC News Bhopal: It is one of the most prestigious job profiles in India. It is no easy task to be the head coach of the men’s national cricket team – there is pressure, constant scrutiny and media glare, potential controversies and the weight of expectations of a billion-plus fanatics of the sport. But on the flip side there are rewards, recognition, honour and a celebrity status which can intoxicate the best in the business. As the race intensifies, we look at the credentials of the two Trans-Tasman rivals tipped to be the frontrunners for the post.
Stephen Fleming – 5 IPL titles and 2 Champions League T20 trophies
Former New Zealand skipper, Stephen Fleming has been the head coach of Chennai Super Kings since 2009. He is not only the longest-serving coach of a franchise in the history of the IPL, but also the most successful one. Fleming took CSK to the semi-finals in his first year at the helm in 2009. It was under his tenure that the MS Dhoni-led franchise won its first IPL title beating arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in the final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai in 2010. It was a double bonanza for the franchise as they went on to beat the Warriors in the final of the Champions League T20 at the Wanderers in September that year.
CSK won a hat-trick of titles under Fleming as they were crowned Champions of the 2011 IPL where they thrashed RCB in the final at Chepauk. CSK made it to three IPL finals in the next four editions under the mentorship of Fleming while also winning their second Champions League Title in 2014 where they beat KKR in the final at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
With CSK suspended for two years in 2016 and 2017, Fleming took charge of the Rising Pune Supergiant and guided them to the final in 2017. However, his biggest success was when CSK came back in 2018 and against all odds and predictions, lifted the trophy for a third time defeating the Sunrisers in the final.
Known for his exceptional man-management skills and a high-quality training and leadership programme, Fleming took CSK – labelled and written off by many cricket pundits as the Daddy Army – to their fourth IPL title in 2021 – this time conquering Dubai where they overcame KKR in the final. And then the icing on the cake – CSK created history winning their fifth IPL title (equalling the record of MI) beating favourites Gujarat Titans in the final in 2023.
CSK rose to become the most successful franchise in the history of the IPL under the leadership of Fleming. Not only did it win five IPL titles but also were the losing finalists on five other occasions – i.e. a stunning 10 finals in 14 appearances (Note: Fleming was part of the CSK squad when they made it to the final in 2008) This has been Fleming’s greatest legacy for CSK – the team as a brand know how to win the big matches and raise their game when it matters most. CSK made it to 10 consecutive playoffs from 2008 to 2019 – nine of these under the watchful eyes and guidance of Fleming.
