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Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan revealed the reason why CSK coach Stephen Fleming won’t apply for the Indian head coach’s role. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) invited applications for a new head coach for the Indian men’s cricket team. The team’s current coach Rahul Dravid’s tenure with the side is coming to an end after the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, and the Indian cricket governing body wants to finalise who will succeed him before or during the tournament.
Earlier, the Indian Express reported that the BCCI approached CSK boss Stephen Fleming to take up the role. A few sources also reported that Fleming rejected the offer; however, there wasn’t any clarity on the update. Recently, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan opened up and said that he had spoken to Fleming about the possibility. Kasi recently said, “Actually I got a lot of calls from the Indian journalists inquiring whether he is interested in taking a job with the Indian team.”
He added, “So I jokingly asked him, ‘Have you applied for the Indian coaching assignment?’ And Stephen just laughed and said, ‘Do you want me to?”
It’s not going to be his cup of tea: Viswanathan on Fleming taking up role
Not only this, but the CSK CEO also said that Stephen Fleming might not take up the call as it would require him to be involved for nine to 10 months. He commented, “I know that it’s not going to be his cup of tea because he doesn’t like to be involved for nine to 10 months in a year. That’s my feeling. I have not discussed anything more with him.” Notably, the coach’s role would require him to stay with the team for approximately 10 months as per the calendar.
As the IPL 2024 is approaching its end, the Indian team is set to travel to the USA and West Indies for the T20 World Cup 2024. Right after the tournament, the team will travel to Zimbabwe for a five-match T20I series, slated to kick off on July 15. Dravid’s contract with the Indian team was set to expire after the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, but got extended to the World Cup 2024.
