Kolkata: After 18 years of journey, five times IPL champion Chennai Super Kings have parted ways with head coach Stephen Fleming.
Fleming joined the Chennai Super Kings as a player in the IPL’s inaugural year (2008) and took over as head coach in 2009. Over the next 17 years, the association built one of the most respected and consistent setups in franchise cricket.
Under Fleming, CSK won 5 IPL trophies as well as 2 Champions League Twenty20 tournaments. The team has entered the playoffs a record 12 times while also being part of 10 IPL finals. Fleming is the most successful coach with most titles to his name.
However, after 2023 IPL season, CSK’s dream run hit rock bottom, with former legendary captain MS Dhoni who guided the franchise to success passing the baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad next season onwards. Since 2024, CSK failed to reach playoffs and found tough to win matches. Repeated failures and lack of modern approach triggered questions about Fleming’s future with the franchise over the last couple of year.
Now, after 18 years, the franchise has decided to part ways with the former New Zealand captain. In a statement on social media, the Super Kings confirmed that the decision was not imposed on either party but was reached with mutual respect and gratitude after “open and honest” discussions.
In a release, CSK said: “The Super Kings and Stephen Fleming have decided to mutually part ways, bringing to a close one of the most successful and enduring partnerships in the history of the Indian Premier League. The decision was reached with respect and gratitude, following a series of open and honest discussions between Fleming and the Super Kings management.”
CSK owner Rupa Gurunath paid tribute to Fleming as his departure from the franchise was confirmed. “Stephen Fleming has been the heartbeat of our coaching unit for almost the entire journey of this franchise. For nearly two decades, he has helped shape our identity, vision, and pursuit of excellence,” the franchise owner said.
“On behalf of everyone at the Super Kings franchise, we extend our deepest gratitude for his unwavering commitment, passion, and leadership. While our journey together on the field comes to a close, he will always remain an integral part of the team’s legacy.”
KS Viswanathan, the Managing Director of the franchise, said that Fleming’s ability to understand people was one of his biggest strengths.
“From the earliest days of this journey, Fleming helped define not just how we played but what we wanted to be as a franchise. He built a culture rooted in consistency, humility, and putting the team first. His ability to understand people and bring out the best from individuals across the team has been one of his greatest strengths,” he said.
“His influence extends far beyond the boundary, and we are proud to have shared this remarkable journey together.”
Speaking of his exit from the franchise, Fleming said that the 18-year journey would always stay with him.
“Eighteen years is a lifetime in sport, and I leave with nothing but gratitude. My time with the Chennai Super Kings has been the privilege of my coaching career. I am proud of everything we have achieved. Together, we celebrated unforgettable victories, overcame difficult moments, and built memories that will stay with me forever. CSK will always be close to my heart, and I will be cheering the team on for years to come.”
Meanwhile, reports indicated that former India batter Hemang Badani is a frontrunner to join the team’s coaching set-up. Delhi Capitals finished fifth and sixth under Badani in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, respectively, the reports pointed out.
