CT 2017: Coach-captain tussle can potentially be a distraction for India, feels Stephen Fleming

Former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming has been very successful in his endeavor as the team coach for various franchises in the global cricket scene. He certainly knows how the pressure builds up on the coach. In the recent times, there have been serious speculations about a rift between the captain and the coach of the Indian cricket team.

Rumors of Anil Kumble and Virat Kohli being at the loggerheads have been doing the rounds on the media. Speaking about the same to Sportstarlive, Stephen Fleming compared the situation to the one in Australia. He remarked that the Australian team have had such problems for quite some time. However, they have managed to stick together as a group despite all such problems.

He further added that the Indian team is facing this crisis after a long time. Hence, going into the Champions Trophy, this could be a potential distraction for them. But the former New Zealand cricketer maintained that there is no certainty about the news doing the rounds in the media. In case, they are true, the team needs to sort things out before heading into the ICC mega event.

“For Australia, it’s been going on for a while. We have seen a very united front from the Australians. They have been very consistent with their message. In fact, it might help them; galvanize and keep them together,” quoted Stephen Fleming.

“The Indian one is a little bit new and potentially, could be a distraction. But it depends on how much truth there is to some of the statements that are doing the rounds, in particular about the relationship between the captain and the coach. That’s why I don’t think it will play a huge part. When the guys get on the field, which would be the last thing on their mind. And both teams are favorites to win the tournament because they are experienced. And experienced players have been through this before,” he added further.

On MS Dhoni

Stephen Fleming also spoke at length about the former Indian skipper MS Dhoni. Fleming has been closely associated with Dhoni for quite some time now. They have formed a good camaraderie as player and coach in the IPL over the years. When asked to comment on Dhoni’s new role in the team, Fleming pointed out that MS will still have the bets view in setting up the field. He admitted that things could be tough for him playing as non-captain after having led the team for so long.

“Being the wicket-keeper, he has the opportunity to help with field placings and angles and provide that contribution. It is always difficult when you have done it for so long, it has been a key part of your cricketing life, it is an adjustment to make. My experience with him thus far in the IPL is he has been managing it pretty well,” quoted Fleming.

However, he maintained that the good bond between Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni will only work wonders in their favor. Fleming had his word of praise for the determination of MS Dhoni. He is hoping to see MS play the 2019 edition of the ICC World Cup. 

“He has been helping the senior players in the IPL. It’s a testament to MS’s characteristic that he has been able to do that. I think he is very determined now to finish his career well as a player and becoming more comfortable with the role he plays with Virat and the Indian team,” quoted Stephen Fleming.

“There’s no certainty but I see his determination and motivation to do that. And you see when a great player has motivation, they more often than not would achieve it. So I would not bet against seeing MS a part of the World Cup in 2019,” he conceded further.