New Zealand batting legend Stephen Fleming’s long standing association with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) came to an end on Monday after he announced his decision to part ways with the management of the five-time IPL champions CSK, who have missed the playoffs for the past three seasons.
The franchise said the move was made following open and honest discussions between Fleming and the team management, marking the beginning of a major overhaul ahead of the next IPL season.
According to a media report, current Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani has emerged as a leading contender to replace Fleming. CSK’s top management is reportedly in Dallas reviewing the team’s recent performances and charting the franchise’s future course.
The report also suggested that the franchise could take a call on the future of the entire coaching staff. Rupa Gurunath, daughter of N Srinivasan and full-time Director of Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL), is understood to be overseeing the review process.
Fleming, who first represented CSK as a player in the inaugural IPL season in 2008 before taking over as head coach in 2009, thanked the franchise for what he described as the greatest privilege of his coaching career.
“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,” Fleming said in a statement released by the franchise.
“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,” he added.
CSK, in its statement, said the decision was taken with “respect and gratitude” after a series of discussions between Fleming and the management.
Fleming transformed CSK into one of the most successful franchises in IPL history after taking charge in 2009. Under his guidance, the Chennai-based side won five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies.
His partnership with former captain MS Dhoni became one of the defining coaching-captain combinations in franchise cricket, with CSK reaching a record 12 IPL playoffs and appearing in 10 finals.
After last three years losing triumph, the critics have questioned CSK’s continued reliance on ageing players, while Dhoni’s recurring fitness concerns and injury issues remained a major talking point during the latest campaign.
With Fleming’s departure, CSK now enters a new phase as the franchise looks to rebuild after its longest period of underperformance in the IPL era.