CSK head coach Stephen Fleming (right) with MS Dhoni. File photo: PTI
CSK part ways with coach Stephen Fleming after 17 years
Fleming, a left-handed batter, joined CSK as a player in the IPL's inaugural year in 2008 and took over as head coach from 2009
Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Monday (July 13) announced that they have parted ways with their head coach Stephen Fleming after 17 years.
The decision comes after the franchise failed to reach the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs for the past three seasons. This year, CSK, without the injured MS Dhoni for the entire IPL 2026, finished eighth, while in IPL 2025, they ended up last in the table.
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Fleming and captain Dhoni had one of the most formidable partnerships in IPL, guiding the team to multiple titles.
'Open and honest discussions'
The team said they had “a series of open and honest discussions” with the former New Zealand captain.
Fleming has also ended his head coaching responsibilities with CSK’s other franchises – Joburg Super Kings (SA20) and Texas Super Kings (MLC).
“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 said in a statement.
Fleming, a left-handed batter, joined CSK as a player in the IPL's inaugural year in 2008 and took over as head coach from 2009. Over the next 17 years, the association built one of the most respected and consistent set-ups in franchise cricket.
Under Fleming, CSK has won 5 IPL trophies (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023) as well as 2 Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20) tournaments (2010 and 2014). The team has entered the playoffs a record 12 times, while also being part of 10 IPL finals.
What Fleming said
Speaking on the decision, Fleming said, "Eighteen years is a lifetime in sport, and I leave with nothing but gratitude. My time with Chennai Super Kings has been the privilege of my coaching career. I am proud of everything we have achieved.
Under Fleming, CSK has won 5 IPL trophies (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023) as well as 2 Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20) tournaments (2010 and 2014). File photo: PTI
"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."
CSK’s owner Rupa Gurunath hailed Fleming as “the heartbeat” of the team’s coaching unit.
"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,” she 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," she added.
KS Viswanathan, Managing Director, CSK, said: "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.”
"His influence extends far beyond the boundary, and we are proud to have shared this remarkable journey together."