Fleming to coach Bengal Tigers

Stephen Fleming has been appointed as the head coach of Bengal Tigers for the second edition of the UAE-based T10 league, which will kickstart in November. He will replace former Pakistan speedster Waqar Younis on the hot seat.

Fleming, a shrewd, wise and clever customer, was a leader back in his playing days for New Zealand. He replicated the same after taking charge of Chennai Super Kings, who are the most successful side in the IPL. Apart from the three titles he won with CSK, the 45-year-old has also coached the Rising Pune Supergiant and the Melbourne Stars.

Anis Sajan, mentor of the Tigers, stated that his side needed a non-Asian coach.

“We wanted Fleming as our team coach because of his aura. He has carried himself so many years as a player and the most successful captain for New Zealand team. As a coach, he has won three IPL title for Chennai Super Kings. He is the only coach who could guide Chennai to the final six times, which even Mumbai could not achieve though they too won the IPL title thrice. He also ensured that Chennai win the Champions League title thrice. So we feel he is the best person for the job,” he said.

'When you have a coach who can take the team along with him, it adds great value. That is where we knew we had to bring Stephen Fleming on board as our head coach,' he continued.

The New Zealander expressed his happiness and gratitude upon his recruitment.

“I am delighted to be the coach of Bengal Tigers. I did watch with interest the success of last year’s tournament and look forward to working with team mentor Anis Sajan. This format of the game is still very new so the chance to work with Sajan and some of the best players in the world is very appealing. This franchise has pre-selected five world Class players and the upcoming draft will be a great opportunity to build a team that can push hard for the trophy,” Fleming commented.

Stephen Fleming is arguably one of the brightest and smartest minds in world cricket. One could argue that his unique understanding of the game is unmatched. He has the ability to pick his best squad in quick time, assign roles to each player as per their strengths and bring the best out of the team. In addition to these attributes, he is also capable of carrying the side and lifting the dressing room atmosphere when required.

It will be interesting to see how he goes about his job in this fast-paced tournament, which runs over a period of four days.