Stephen Fleming MS Dhoni
Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni have been working together since 2008.

During the highly anticipated auctions of Indian Premier League (IPL) this year, the most exciting event was how Chennai Super Kings (CSK), on their comeback trail, resume their campaign by retaining their successful core group.

As it turned out, their selection strategy, headed by coach, Stephen Fleming, was mocked at, looking at the number of players featuring over the age of 30.

In a game which demands agility of youth, CSK came up with a team which housed as many as nine prime players above 30.

Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings beat SRH by eight wickets in the finale of IPL 2018. Image Courtesy: BCCI

It’s the professionalism that we looked at, not age: Fleming

Interestingly, Fleming’s strategy turned out to be a masterstroke, as the likes of Watson, Ambati Rayudu, and Harbhajan Singh were integral components of CSK’s title-winning campaign this year.

Fleming, who has been one of the founding members of Chennai’s franchise, as a player and then as a coach, claimed it is the professionalism which matters the most and not the age.

It is now Fleming’s third successful campaign with the men in yellow, but the Kiwi stated each win has been different.

IPL 2018: 'It is MS Dhoni Who Handles Me,' says CSK Coach Stephen Fleming
Stephen Fleming and David Willey embrace each other after the winning runs were scored by Rayudu. Credits: BCCI.

Also Read: IPL 2018: Final – Shane Watson’s Ton Help Chennai Super Kings Lift IPL Trophy for 3rd Time.

Each year has been different for us. We stayed pretty consistent with the core of our team when others kept chopping and changing. It’s one thing that players are older, but it’s the professionalism that we got to look into as well,” Stephen Fleming quoted during the post-match presentation.

On being asked about what it takes to handle someone like MS Dhoni, Fleming wittingly replied it is MSD who handles him and not vice-versa.

Read More  Watch: Matheesha Pathirana touched MS Dhoni's feet? Truth exposed in fresh video
IPL 2018: 'It is MS Dhoni Who Handles Me,' says CSK Coach Stephen Fleming
Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni have been working with each other since 2008. Credits: IPL.

Also Read: IPL 2018: Michael Vaughan Lauds Chennai Super Kings for Winning IPL Season 11.

MS Dhoni handles me (smiles). It’s about man-management. When he goes on the field, he can do the things. There’s a lot of trusts as well, and it’s a nice relationship to have with him,” concluded Stephen Fleming.