Former India player Suresh Raina applauded former CSK head coach Stephen Fleming. The five-time IPL champions and
Fleming parted ways mutually after the 2026 season as well. In a podcast with former India cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra, Raina shared what made CSK special and he mentioned the role of the captain and his ability to bring the best out of players as well. He also praised their long-time head coach Fleming, who was at the helm from 2009 to 2026 as well.

“It’s a family. We also had good local players. You are the best captain when you make the team with an understanding always. He was focused on Indian players and getting them to perform. CSK won five times because the captain knew what to get out of whom, and the team had utility and understanding. Fleming would call us a band of brothers. Fleming was also very unique. I feel he deserves more credit than what is given to him,” he expressed.

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While Suresh Raina played all formats for India, he was a better batter in the T20 format. He is among the all-time greats of
the IPL as well, playing a huge role in Chennai’s success over the years as well.

“In 2008, when the IPL auction happened, there was a series before that in Ahmedabad and I played at number three. Then that format came where we had no idea and how the wicket would play at Chennai. Mindset was the most important. How you communicate with your captain, coach, and batting partner also matters. I got the license, and then I felt like if I scored here, I would be in the Indian team, and I did not want to let go of this format,” he concluded.