Stephen Fleming Hails Mahendra Singh Dhoni as 'Inspiring Captain'

The coach of new Indian Premier League team Pune Supergiants Stephen Fleming made light of the speculations over retirement of Mahendra Singh Dhoni from international cricket and hailed his "remarkable" fitness. (MS Dhoni Brushes Off Retirement Speculations in Style After World T20 Semi-Final Loss to West Indies)

Asked about Dhoni's future in the context of India's loss in the World Twenty20 semi-final, Fleming said what he saw in him was a "sprightly wicketkeeper batsman, a fresh captain with a remarkable fitness".

In reply to a question, Fleming, interacting with reporters about Pune Supergiants for the forthcoming IPL season, did not visualise any possible "conflict of egos" in the team that also has Australian captain Steve Smith and South African skipper Fa du Plessis.

"Leadership can take many forms. M S Dhoni is an inspiring captain who is open to ideas," he added.

Fleming said the Pune team has a good blend of overseas players and young talent. (Mahendra Singh Dhoni Far From Shy And Retiring When Quizzed Over Future)

With Dhoni as captain, the team has players like Mitchell Marsh, Kevin Pietersen, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin and the two overseas skippers in Fa du Plessis and Steve Smith who has had a stint with the Pune team in earlier edition.

"We are very excited about the squad that we have compiled and cannot wait get underway. We will be training here in Pune for the next week before heading to Mumbai for the opening game. There is a lot of work to do being a new franchise and new team," Fleming commented.

"We need cricket loving fans in Pune to come out and support M S Dhoni and the team," he added.

Those present at the press conference included Eric Simmons, bowling coach and Hrishikesh Kanitkar, assistant coach and Raghu Iyer CEO, RPS.