'He is a person who doesn’t put...': CSK star makes candid confession about ex-coach Stephen Fleming

Chennai Super Kings pacer Gurjapneet Singh has opened up about his experience of working under former head coach Stephen Fleming, crediting the New Zealander for creating a pressure-free environment and allowing players to thrive by backing their strengths.

The left-arm fast bowler, who spent two seasons under Fleming at CSK, said the five-time IPL-winning coach possessed a unique ability to identify a player's strengths and give them the confidence to perform without adding unnecessary pressure.

Also Read: India vs Sri Lanka XI four-day warm-up fixture undergoes major change ahead of Test series

Gurjapneet Singh hails Stephen Fleming's man-management

Speaking on the sidelines of his Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) franchise Madurai Panthers' jersey launch event, Gurjapneet reflected on Fleming's coaching style and explained why the former CSK coach stood apart.

"I was with him for two years. He was very calm and easy to talk to because when we are losing, it's difficult to talk to the coach sometimes. Everyone is under pressure. But he is a person who doesn't put pressure on you.

"He has an X-factor. That's why CSK was able to win five trophies (under him). I think he leaves everything to the players because he finds out the potential of every player. He always asked me to keep practising my strengths, gain confidence in practice and deliver in the matches. That's what I tried to do," Gurjapneet said.

Fleming stepped down from his role as Chennai Super Kings head coach after the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season, ending one of the most successful coaching tenures in the tournament's history.

Gurjapneet highlights Fleming-Dhoni partnership

The 27-year-old also spoke about the long-standing partnership between Fleming and MS Dhoni, saying the duo always ensured bowlers were utilised in roles that suited their strengths.

According to Gurjapneet, the trust shown by Stephen Fleming helped players remain relaxed even during difficult phases of a tournament, allowing them to focus on executing their skills rather than worrying about external pressure.

Also Read: 'This feels the right time for...': Rob Key explains why Joe Root was chosen over Harry Brook as England Test captain

Under Fleming's guidance, Chennai Super Kings emerged as one of the IPL's most successful franchises, winning five IPL titles while consistently qualifying for the playoffs. His partnership with Dhoni played a crucial role in shaping CSK's reputation for backing players and maintaining stability despite challenging situations.