Stephen Fleming, the chief coach of Rising Pune Supergiants answering questions is like his straight drives. Fleming, who is also the coach of Melbourne Stars of the Big Bash League spoke to Sportskeeda on the sidelines of Pune Supergiant associations with Marriot International as the home team’s hospitality partners for IPL season nine.
And most importantly it will be a reunion of Coach Fleming and skipper MS Dhoni.
On his assignment with the new Pune franchise
It is great to be back on Indian turf and have the same big names in this edition of the IPL. The only difference is the name but everything else is the same, the game the wickets and the places in this part of the world. I am happy to have most of the seniors from the former team.
It would be tough, like any other tournament, but the crowd here in India is amazing and that make the big difference from other cricket playing nations. Best part is all the international players are coming after the T20 World Cup.
On the players to look out for…
There are many and it all depends on how one delivers on the match day. But there are exceptions in the likes of Dhoni, Ashwin, Kevin Pietersen and some domestic players.
On tough opponents…
Defending champions Mumbai are the good side, besides Bangalore, but again it all depends on the match day, the game is undecided until last ball is bowled or faced.
On his role as a skipper and now as a coach…
There could be similarities aplenty, but I would say being a coach is cozy (laughs). As a skipper it was, me alone reading the game and playing conditions, yes I did get my teammates to come up with their views. But, at the end of the it is the captain who is responsible for outcome of the proceedings.
As a skipper, had to see the game in the eyes of the players. But, as a coach I see the match in the eye of the skipper. Yes, I am not a traditional coach.
Kiwis’ outing in the 2016 T20….
We did make with a clean slate to the last four, but winning the semifinal has been a curse. Eight times in quarterfinals and not making it further in this level of the championship I would say it has been a CURSE. It is sad the boys played so well in the league and went to the extent of beating hosts India in their opener, but came croppers against England.
It is Sad. I am sure many would agree that it was batting lapses which let us down. Incidentally, New Zealand have now lost eight of their nine semifinals in World Cups across formats. Their only win came against South Africa last year at Auckland in the semifinals of World Cup 2015.
On his not taking international assignments (coach of a national team)…
No, you will not see me as a coach of a national side. Now I feel it is time to be with the family. All that I have made is for the family, if I cannot share it with them, what is the purpose of all the sacrifices I have done. Some would disagree but for me I do what I want to. There is nothing as not giving it back to the game which has given you so much.
I still give it back to the game in my own way and not the way people think. I have Pune IPL team now and I associated with Melbourne Stars in Big Bash which keeps my association with the game. I have three kids and I also coach the under-7 team which my son is a member. And, remember coaching a under-7 side is much more challenging than coaching a national side.
On IPL for women …
That will do a world of good for women. We did have in Big Bash and it was a great success. I wish other cricket playing nations adopt the same way in which it was conducted. Women would play their games before the counterparts’ men, and the crowd response was overwhelming.
Yes, I wish the concerned people take the que from Big Bash. It will be a great success.
On WorldT20 final….
Both the teams and good. But, I have a feeling that it is time for West Indies to make the cut. They are a balanced side and most importantly most of the guys are experienced out there. I want England to win, but going by the way of the West Indies approach I would say West Indies.
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