It is one of the most respected job profiles in India. Being the head coach of the men's national cricket team is a tough job; there is pressure, constant media attention, possible controversy and the weight of expectation from over a billion fans of the sport. On the other hand, the best in the business can get drunk on awards, honors, notoriety and celebrity status. We examine the qualifications of two Trans-Tasman racers who are tipped to be front-runners for the position as the competition heats up. 

Stephen Fleming, the former New Zealand captain, has been leading the Chennai Super Kings since 2009. Not only has he been the longest-serving coach in IPL history, he has also led the most successful team. In 2009, Fleming led CSK to the semi-finals during his first season in charge. During his tenure, the team led by MS Dhoni defeated Mumbai Indians, their bitter rivals, in the 2010 IPL final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai to win their first championship. In September of that year, they defeated the Warriors in the final of the Champions League T20 at Wanderers, giving the team a double bonus. 

When CSK beat RCB in the IPL final at Chepauk in 2011, they were named champions and won a hat-trick of titles under Fleming. Under Fleming's leadership, CSK advanced to three IPL finals in the next four seasons and won their second Champions League title in 2014 after defeating KKR in the championship game at Bengal's Chinnaswamy Stadium. Fleming took over as manager of Rising Pune Supergiant and led them to the 2017 finals after CSK was suspended for two years in 2016 and 2017. 

However, his biggest achievement came when CSK made a comeback in 2018 and against all odds and predictions won the trophy a record three times beating Sunrisers in the championship game. Acclaimed for his exceptional managerial skills and excellent training and management plan, Fleming led CSK - nicknamed 'Dad's Army' by many cricket commentators - to a fourth IPL championship in 2021, this time trampling all over Dubai and defeating KKR in the championship game. The icing on the cake was when CSK made history by defeating the favorites Gujarat Titans in the 2023 IPL final to win their fifth trophy, matching MI's record. 

Under Fleming's leadership, CSK emerged as the most successful team in IPL history. Not only have they made it to five IPL finals, they have also lost five times, an incredible 10 finals in 14 matches (Note: Fleming was a member of the CSK team when they reached the final in 2008). Fleming's biggest contribution to CSK has been the team's ability to win important matches and step up when it matters most. From 2008 to 2019, CSK made it to ten straight play-offs, nine of which were completed under Fleming's close watch and guidance. 

Fleming's coaching resume also highlights his stellar performance as head coach of several T20 teams around the world. With Fleming in charge, the Melbourne Stars reached their first Big Bash League final in 2015-16. Under him, they were also the losing finalists for the 2018-19 season. The Johannesburg Super Kings qualified for the 2024 play-offs under Fleming and advanced to the semi-finals of the debut SA T20 season. In 2023, he made a lasting impression in America by leading CSK's sister team, the Texas Super Kings, to the playoffs during the first season of the MLC.