'It’s a great challenge' - Stephen Fleming on rebuilding CSK ahead of IPL 2021

Despite having an underwhelming season in the ongoing 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020), three-time title holder Chennai Super Kings (CSK) signed off in style by clinically beating Kings XI Punjab by nine wickets to end the latter’s hopes of reaching the playoffs. The win, CSK’s third on the trot, also ensured that MS Dhoni and his team won’t be finishing last in the IPL points table.

Though the Super Kings failed to qualify for the playoffs and were the first team to get eliminated from IPL 2020, they discovered two match-winners in the form of Sam Curran and Ruturaj Gaikwad. While Curran was highly impressive with both bat and ball since the beginning of the tournament, Ruturaj grabbed the limelight after scoring three half-centuries in the last three games of CSK.

Speaking about their campaign in IPL 2020, CSK coach Stephen Fleming reckoned that he is excited for rebuilding the team with a mix of youth and experience to come back stronger in the next edition of the T20 extravaganza. Fleming also seemed highly impressed by the young Ruturaj.

We go back to the same team which Mr. Srinivasan and CSK picked: Stephen Fleming

“It’s a great challenge. It’s great fun and there’s responsibility around it, but when you get the likes of Ruturaj [Gaikwad] come through and some of the players getting the mix of youth and old,” Fleming stated in the post-match press conference.

Further in the interaction, the former New Zealand captain stated that the management is looking forward to using the same strategy that Srinivasan applied to pick a competent squad for the franchise that continuously produced results for over a decade. Fleming understands that teams are now smarter, based on what they need; however, it is a challenge that he wants to be part of.

“We go back to the same team which Mr. Srinivasan and CSK picked and how right they got it. We’re looking to do the same if we can get a decade of consistent cricket from a side, you’re doing something right. So, we’re tapping into that and yeah there’s big responsibility. Teams now and squads are a lot smarter and they really want what they want, so talent is at a premium. But, it’s one of the challenges… good and exciting challenges of being involved with an IPL side,” he added.