Reports: Stephen Fleming to coach Southern Brave men's team in The Hundred, will replace Mahela Jayawardene

Former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming is all set to begin his new coaching stint with the Southern Brave’s men’s side in The Hundred. He will be replacing his ex-Sri Lanka opposite number Mahela Jayawardene for the role.

According to reports in ESPNcricinfo, Mahela Jayawardene had to step down from his coaching position with the Southern Brave on being promoted as the head of global performance at Mumbai Indians from head coach. Thus, the Brave instantly zeroed in on Fleming to be his successor.

The report further adds that “Fleming has agreed a deal with Brave for the 2023 season, which is likely to be announced next week”.

Stephen Fleming - An accomplished coach in franchise cricket

Under Stephen Fleming’s guidance, the Chennai Super Kings have won four IPL titles and two now-defunct CLT20 trophies. While the southpaw will be coaching CSK in IPL 2023, he has yet another huge commitment to take care of.

Fleming has also been named as the head coach of the Johannesburg Super Kings for the inaugural edition of the SA20 that gets underway in January 2023. He will be reunited with former CSK player and the current RCB skipper Faf du Plessis. The veteran Proteas batter has been named the captain of the Joburg-based franchise.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan offie Maheesh Theekshana who had played for CSK in IPL 2022 has signed for the Johannesburg Super Kings. Stephen Fleming has now got to fill in the big shoes of Mahela Jayawardene who had guided the Southern Brave to a title in the inaugural edition of the 100-ball tournament last year.

Jayawardene had to part ways with the Southern Brave after he was given the additional responsibility of strategic planning as the MI owner Reliance Industries acquired two new overseas franchise teams - MI Cape Town (SA20) and MI Emirates in the ILT20.

The Sri Lankan batting icon who had succeeded Australia’s two-time World Cup winning captain Ricky Ponting in IPL 2016 has since then led the Mumbai-based franchise to three IPL crowns in the 2017, 2019, and 2020 editions.