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Chennai Super Kings Sack Head Coach Stephen Fleming: After poor performance, Chennai Super Kings, taking a big step, has severed its two-decade old relationship with its head coach Stephen Fleming. Amidst the ongoing review meeting in Dallas, preparations are underway to appoint former Indian batsman Hemang Badani as the new coach of the team. This decision of the franchise is a sign of major changes not only in the coaching staff but also in the player trade and captaincy, which is going to be the beginning of a new era in CSK.
CSK has decided to part ways with Stephen Fleming.
New Delhi. A very shocking and big news is coming out from Chennai Super Kings, one of the most successful and popular franchises of IPL. CSK has broken its two-decade long relationship with its longest serving head coach Stephen Fleming. The departure of former New Zealand captain Fleming is like the end of a golden era in IPL history.
According to the report, the management of CSK is currently reviewing its cricket operations. Amidst this big change, the name of former Indian batsman Hemang Badani is fast emerging and he is considered to be the biggest contender to join the coaching staff of Chennai.
CSK has decided to part ways with Stephen Fleming.
Great brainstorming is going on in Dallas, tough decisions can be taken
At present the top leadership of Chennai Super Kings is present in Dallas, America. There, the performance of the last few seasons is being thoroughly reviewed and strict steps are being taken to prepare the way for the future. Serious discussions are going on within the franchise not only regarding the coaching staff but also regarding the trade of players. In the coming days, a big decision may be taken regarding the entire coaching unit. N. Srinivasan’s daughter and whole-time director of Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited, Roopa Gurunath is currently in charge of all the important decisions of the team.
Rupa Gurunath’s emotional farewell message
Appreciating the contribution of Stephen Fleming, Rupa Gurunath said in the official press release, ‘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 excellence. On behalf of every member associated with the Super Kings franchise, we express our deep gratitude for their unwavering commitment, passion and leadership. Even though our journey on the field is ending here, he will always be an integral part of the team’s legacy.
Hemang Badani leads the race
Former Indian cricketer Hemang Badani’s name is in the forefront to replace Fleming. Badani was playing the role of head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC) for the last two seasons (2025 and 2026). Under the guidance of Badani, Delhi team stood fifth in 2025 and sixth in 2026. In its first season (2025) under Badani’s supervision, Delhi team missed a place in the playoffs by a very narrow margin. Now it remains to be seen whether Badani can bring the team back on track in the home environment of CSK or not.
Stephen Fleming’s unmatched record
The relationship between Stephen Fleming and CSK started with the inaugural season of IPL in 2008, when he joined the team as a player. After this, in the year 2009, he took over the responsibility of head coach. While Fleming was the coach, CSK played a total of 11 finals, which included 10 IPL and one Champions League final. During this period the team won a total of 6 titles. When CSK was banned for two years in 2016 and 2017, Fleming coached Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) and took the team to the final in 2017.
Why was there a need for change?
Despite such a great record, the last few years have been very disappointing for Chennai Super Kings. For this reason the franchise has had to take this drastic step. In the year 2024, the team had missed reaching the playoffs. After this, CSK’s performance further declined in the next two seasons, where the team finished 10th and 8th respectively. Fleming was not only in charge of IPL but also of other global franchises of CSK, where the results were not as expected.
What next? Crisis looms over captaincy too
The coming few weeks are going to be very important for Chennai Super Kings. The franchise is all set to regain its lost prestige and old glory. If sources are to be believed, not only will the trade of new coaching staff and players be finalized in the coming days, but a big and tough decision can also be taken regarding captaincy.
About the Author
Kamlesh Rai is currently working as Chief Sub-Editor in News18 India. In his long journalistic journey of more than 17 years, he has created a unique identity with his deep understanding of the nuances of digital media and news.read more
