"One man doesn't win the IPL," Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming said Friday, differing with Gautam Gambhir's viewpoint that one can't say Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the same breath, as India's captain has not won the tournament.
Former India opener Gambhir, who led Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL trophies in 2012 and 2014, recently said that in a result-oriented franchise environment, Kohli has been "lucky" to have survived despite Royal Challengers Bangalore never winning the coveted title in his eight years as skipper.
But Fleming thought otherwise.
One man doesn’t win the IPL. It’s a tough competition to win. It’s getting tougher because teams are a lot smarter. Players are conditioned to playing in the IPL. Coaches and managers are getting more shrewd in how they buy and put together teams. So just because you’re probably the best batter in the world, probably one of the best players in the world, it doesn’t mean he’s going to have success in the IPL.Stephen Fleming, Coach, Chennai Super Kings
"There's a number of things that go towards it. One thing I do know is that when there's a challenge put in front of him, he meets it," said Kohli.
Fleming's admiration for the Indian batting maestro did not stop there, and said retaining the trophy they won last year will be very difficult.
“His (Virat’s) expectation with this team will be to give it a good run and I’m sure, as most other franchises will be wanting. Winning competition is a by product of how you lead your team so there’s a challenge there.”Stephen Fleming, Coach, Chennai Super Kings
"But as I say they're really looking (like) a good team. Most teams on paper are outstanding so we have got our work cut out to win it again, we will be giving it a good shot as well," he added.
Fleming said the loss of the team's South African paceman Lungi Ngidi was a big blow.
“Ngidi is a big loss. He was the find last year for us, he bowled really well. We got a squad that can cover his absence. But, sometimes players are a little bit special. The onus is on the other overseas options. We are taking our time on his replacement at the moment.”Stephen Fleming, Coach, Chennai Super Kings
Fleming was speaking on the eve of the IPL-12 opener between CSK and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M A Chidambaram Stadium. He said South African captain Faf du Plessis, leg-spinner Imran Tahir and New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner had arrived and were available for selection.
"There is a real emphasis on starting the tournament well. Last year, we won a couple of games which could easily have gone the other way. We know the importance of a good start. We are certainly not desperate to win it and it's just an opportunity we are looking forward to," he added.
(With inputs from PTI)
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