Sanju Samson of Chennai Super Kings during a practice session. (PTI photo)

Bengaluru: New Zealand legend Stephen Fleming Has largely been the guiding force of the franchise from the dugout. Since taking over as head coach in 2009, he has overseen both high and low title-winning seasons. However, the last two seasons have tested the five-time champions, with consecutive failures to reach the playoffs and increasing scrutiny over auction strategy and team selection.Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Fleming believes that the team is in a transitional period. Involvement of star wicketkeeper-batsman sanju samsonA key figure in India’s T20 World Cup triumph, he is part of that rebuild, although the opening batsman has managed just 22 runs in three matches. Fleming, however, backed him to do well. “It’s difficult when you’ve been at a franchise for a while and even though he probably feels pretty comfortable, there’s still an element of that bond and he’s going through the process of bonding with this team. There’s a little bit of work off the field that we’re doing to make the bond a little bit stronger but that’s OK,” Fleming said.