Prior to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 championship game vs Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming wrote a cryptic post that may have hinted that it might be his final year with the team. Fleming joined the CSK in 2008 as a player and has served as the team’s head coach since 2009. With Fleming as manager and Dhoni as captain, Chennai has won four IPL championships.
“Not long now until the final game so a perfect time to say ‘thank you’ for all the support that the team has received this year. We all understand the love for the captain but to see the grounds so full of yellow has been truly amazing.🙏enjoy tonight, it should be a cracker,” wrote Fleming on his official Twitter account. But the championship game was rained out, so the winner will be decided on May 29 (reserve day). Notably, CSK captain MS Dhoni’s retirement rumors have also been making waves in the sports world. However, Dhoni stated that he would take his time and wouldn’t retire right after the championship.
It’s possible that Fleming’s tweet was just a kind gesture of thanks to his followers
“I don’t know, I have eight to nine months to decide, the small auction may be around December, so why take that headache right now? I have ample time to decide,” Dhoni had said after CSK beat GT in the first qualifier. The CSK skipper although, made it clear that he would stay with the franchise in some capacity or the other. “I will always be there for CSK, whether that is in the playing form or sitting somewhere outside…I don’t really know. Frankly, it takes a heavy toll. I have been out of the home for literally four months. January 31 was when I got out of the house, finished my work, and started practicing from the 2nd or 3rd of March. It takes a lot, but I have ample time to decide,” he had added.
It’s possible that Fleming’s tweet was just a kind gesture of thanks to his followers. Will we witness the New Zealander handing the ball off to MSD if Fleming were to retire and Dhoni had already stated that he will still be a part of CSK? Time will only tell.