Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Stephen Fleming have mutually agreed to part ways, concluding a significant period in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This decision marks the end of a long association with the former New Zealand captain, who served as head coach for the franchise for many years.
Rupa Gurunath, daughter of N Srinivasan and full-time Director of Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL), acknowledged Fleming’s impact. She stated that Fleming had been integral to the coaching unit for almost the entire journey of the franchise, helping to shape its identity, vision, and pursuit of excellence for nearly two decades. Gurunath expressed gratitude on behalf of the Super Kings franchise for his unwavering commitment, passion, and leadership, noting that he will always remain an integral part of the team’s legacy.
Fleming’s tenure with CSK began as a player in the inaugural IPL season in 2008. He then transitioned to the role of head coach starting in 2009. His association with the team spanned nearly two decades. During the franchise’s two-year suspension in 2016 and 2017, Fleming coached Rising Pune Supergiant, guiding that team to the 2017 final.
Under Fleming’s leadership, CSK achieved considerable success, winning 5 IPL trophies and 2 Champions League Twenty20 tournaments. The team reached a total of 11 finals, including 10 in the IPL and one in the Champions League, securing six titles in total. The franchise also made it to the playoffs a record 12 times during his coaching period.
Fleming reflected on his time with the team, stating that eighteen years is a lifetime in sport and expressing gratitude. He described his time with Chennai Super Kings as the privilege of his coaching career, expressing pride in their achievements. He mentioned celebrating unforgettable victories, overcoming difficult moments, and building lasting memories, affirming that CSK will always be close to his heart.
Kashi Viswanathan, Chennai Super Kings Managing Director, highlighted Fleming’s role in defining not only how CSK played but also in building a culture rooted in consistency and humility. Viswanathan praised Fleming’s ability to understand people and bring out the best from individuals across the team, noting that his influence extended beyond the boundary.
Recent Performance and Future Outlook
Despite past successes, the last few years have presented challenges for the franchise. After narrowly missing the playoffs in 2024, CSK finished 10th and eighth in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, respectively. The team also experienced back-to-back last-place finishes in the IPL 2025 and 2026, struggling with leadership and team transformation.
The franchise’s struggles extended to other leagues where Fleming was in charge. Joburg Super Kings reached the SA20 playoffs in each of the last three seasons but did not make a final. Similarly, Texas Super Kings did not reach the title clash in Major League Cricket (MLC), finishing last in the ongoing season with three wins and seven defeats from 10 matches.
The franchise is currently reviewing its cricket operations, with top brass in Dallas assessing recent seasons and planning for the future. Discussions are ongoing regarding trades, and significant decisions concerning the entire coaching staff could be made. The coming weeks are expected to be crucial for CSK as the franchise aims to regain its former glory.
Potential Coaching Changes
As part of the review, former India batter Hemang Badani has emerged as a contender to join the coaching set-up. Badani served as head coach for Delhi Capitals (DC) for the last two seasons. Under Badani, DC finished fifth and sixth in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, respectively, narrowly missing a playoff spot in his first season.
The franchise is considering various aspects of its operations, including potential changes to the coaching staff and even the captaincy, as it looks to move forward. These discussions are part of a broader effort to revitalize the team and address recent performance issues, with a focus on restoring the team’s past success.
Read Also
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter