IPL 2019 | Stephen Fleming backs Virat Kohli, says one man can't win title

Gautam Gambhir had earlier voiced his opinion about Virat Kohli’s captaincy and his failure to win an IPL cup. The former KKR captain went on to say that his captaincy is inferior to that of Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni. Virat Kohli has captained RCB for eight years in the league now and has taken them to the playoffs twice. However, termed as the best batsman in the world at present, Kohli has failed to win the title on both occasions.

Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming begs to differ with Gambhir and has voiced his support for Kohli a day before the opening encounter of the 12th season which will be played between these two teams.

“One man doesn’t win the IPL. It’s a tough competition to win. It’s getting tougher because teams are a lot smarter. Players are conditioned to playing in the IPL. Coaches and managers are getting more shrewd in how they buy and put together teams,” the former New Zealand captain said, reported PTI.

The top-ranked ODI batsman had smashed a record 973 runs in the 2016 edition and also has an outstanding IPL record with 4948 runs to his name.

“So just because you’re probably the best batter in the world, probably one of the best players in the world, it doesn’t mean he’s going to have success in the IPL. There’s a number of things that go towards it. One thing I do know is that when there’s a challenge put in front of him, he meets it,” stated Fleming

Fleming did not rule out RCB’s chances this year and he also did not shy away from the fact that CSK will not find it easy to defend their trophy in the 12th edition of the league.

“His expectation with this team will be to give it a good run and I’m sure, as most other franchises will be wanting. Winning competitions is a byproduct of how you lead your team so there’s a challenge there,” Fleming said.

“But as I say they’re really looking (like) a good team. Most teams on paper are outstanding so we have got our work cut out to win it again, we will be giving it a good shot as well."

South African pacer Lungi Ngidi had a fantastic season for CSK last year where he had managed to scalp 11 wickets in seven matches. However, Ngidi will miss this IPL after he suffered a side strain in the ODI series against Sri Lanka.

“Ngidi is a big loss. He was the find last year for us, he bowled really well. We got a squad that can cover his absence. But, sometimes players are a little bit special. The onus is on the other overseas options. We are taking our time on his replacement at the moment,” said the 45-year-old former Kiwi batsman.

“There is a real emphasis on starting the tournament well. Last year, we won a couple of games which could easily have gone the other way. We know the importance of a good start. We are certainly not desperate to win it and it’s just an opportunity we are looking forward to."