'Not something I crave' – Fleming on lack of credit for CSK's success

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming dismissed suggestions that he doesn't receive enough credit for his team's success. Fleming, who played for CSK in the inaugural IPL in 2008, took over as head coach the next season. Under him, CSK have won five IPL titles and two Champions League titles.

When asked if he has received enough plaudits, Fleming chose to credit the players and MS Dhoni instead. "It's actually purely the players," Fleming said ahead of CSK's fourth clash of the IPL 2026 season.

"For me, it just gives us another year of coaching. The players do it. The coaching off the field is really important, but the performances on the field win titles. We play a part in the fitness, performance, and mental state of players, but ultimately coaches are judged on the players. I've worked with one of the greatest captains of all time. I'm proud of the results, but it's not something that I crave or desire to get accolades for."

Fleming also brushed aside the notion that his coaching formula in T20 cricket had become outdated. "Criticism is fair when you don't do well," Fleming admitted. "I'm coaching throughout the year in two other competitions. It's not that I just turn off and then come to the IPL without an idea of where the game is going. I probably never spent more time studying T20 cricket around players around the world, which feeds into the IPL.

"One of the challenges is the number of players we've changed in the squad means there is a settling process. We understand that, so we're trying to accelerate that. We just need a bit of confidence and evidence, and that comes from getting across the line. We haven't been too far off. So, we just have to work harder and find a way forward. But I do feel in touch with the game."

While remaining coy on Dewald Brevis' availability for the clash against DC, Fleming praised the South African youngster. "For a young guy, he brings experience, but he's incredibly talented," Fleming said.

"He's worked out his game at such a young age. He's now come out with a real clarity as to the way he wants to play. It's aggressive, skillful, and becoming consistent. We value his inputs really highly. He's been a big miss since the start of the season. If he is right for this game, he'll be a nice addition."