Chennai Super Kings Parts Ways With Head Coach Stephen Fleming

Chennai Super Kings has parted ways with long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming, ending a long association with the former New Zealand captain. TimesofIndia.com has learnt that the franchise is reviewing its cricket operations, with former India batter Hemang Badani emerging as a contender to join the coaching set-up. The franchise's top brass is currently in Dallas, reviewing the last few seasons and planning the road ahead. While trade discussions are underway, a major decision on the entire coaching staff could also be made. Rupa Gurunath, daughter of N Srinivasan and full-time Director of Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL), has been overseeing key decisions. "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,” Rupa was quoted in a CSK press release. "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." As discussions on all cricketing matters continue, former India cricketer Hemang Badani, head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC) for the last two seasons, is in the running to join the CSK set-up. DC finished fifth and sixth under Badani in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, respectively, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot in his first season. Fleming's association with CSK spans nearly two decades, first as a player in the inaugural IPL season and then as head coach since 2009. During the franchise's two-year suspension in 2016 and 2017, he coached Rising Pune Supergiant, guiding the team to the 2017 final. Under Fleming, CSK reached 11 finals, 10 in the IPL and one in the Champions League, winning six titles. However, the last few years have been disappointing. After narrowly missing the playoffs in 2024, CSK finished 10th and eighth in the next two seasons. The franchise has also struggled in other leagues where Fleming has been in charge. Joburg Super Kings have reached the SA20 playoffs in each of the last three seasons but are yet to make a final, while Texas Super Kings have also fallen short of reaching the title clash in Major League Cricket (MLC). In the ongoing season, they finished last with three wins and seven defeats from 10 matches. The coming weeks could prove significant for CSK, with tough decisions expected on trades, the coaching staff and even the captaincy as the franchise looks to restore its past glory.