MS Dhoni to takeover as CSK Head Coach in IPL 2024? Stephen Fleming's New Zealand call-up stuns CSK fans

The New Zealand cricket team aims to significantly boost its coaching staff for the T20 World Cup 2024. According to reports from the New Zealand Herald, Stephen Fleming and Shane Bond could potentially join the national team for the upcoming ICC tournament.

New Zealand has been consistent with their performances in ICC events across white-ball formats. However, the Black Caps have faced disappointment in securing trophies, despite consistently reaching the semi-finals in the past four major tournaments.

New Zealand will not be considered among the favorites for the 2024 T20 World Cup unlike in previous competitions. The Kiwis aim to strengthen the coaching department to enhance their performance in the upcoming event in the Caribbean and the USA in June.

Black Caps Aim To Secure Stephen Fleming and Shane Bond

Gary Stead, the current head coach, received a two-year extension in 2023. He will oversee the team’s operations from the support staff’s perspective. However, the Black Caps want to bring in Stephen Fleming and Shane Bond to enhance national cricket team success.

The report further suggests that it could be difficult to obtain their services due to their current commitments as coaches in various T20 leagues worldwide. Stephen Fleming and Shane Bond will next be seen with their respective teams in the Indian Premier League.

Coaching Background of Stephen Fleming and Shane Bond

Renowned for his coaching prowess in franchise cricket, Fleming has led teams such as the Chennai Super Kings, the Joburg Super Kings, and the Texas Super Kings in the IPL, SA20, and MLC leagues, respectively. He also served as a consultant for the Blackcaps during the 2021 T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where they advanced to the final.

Bond, on the other hand, previously served as the Mumbai Indians’ (MI) bowling coach before joining the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for IPL 2024. His coaching experience extends to roles with MI Emirates, Paarl Royals, and Sydney Thunder. Additionally, the former fast bowlers served as the bowling coach for the Blackcaps from 2012 to 2015.

Gary Stead and Luke Ronchi serve as head coach and assistant coach in the support staff setup. Ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup, the Kiwis secured the services of Ian Bell and James Foster. Former players like Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, and Daniel Flynn have also contributed as coaches to the team’s needs in the past.

New Zealand Set To Face Pakistan in April

New Zealand is set to face Pakistan in their upcoming international matches. The first three T20Is of the series will be held in Rawalpindi on April 18, April 20, and April 21, with the remaining matches scheduled for April 25 and April 27 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

“In a testament to the unwavering camaraderie between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC), we are delighted to present the schedule for the New Zealand men’s team tour to Pakistan 2024. This tour symbolizes the deep-rooted ties and mutual respect that define the relationship between our two cricketing nations,” PCB Director of International Cricket Usman Wahla said in a press release.

“Our avid cricket fans and the people of Pakistan will welcome the New Zealand team again and we hope to have yet another competitive series which is a key part of our buildup to this year’s ICC T20 World Cup,” he added.

Also read: Big blow to New Zealand! Devon Conway ruled out from the first NZ vs AUS Test match