Chennai Super Kings' most successful coach Stephen Fleming has parted ways with the team after 18 years. He has resigned from the head coach position. Fleming had led CSK to 7 titles.
Stephen Fleming resigns from the post of CSK's head coach.
18-year long association ends, decision taken by mutual consent.
The duo of Fleming and Dhoni won 7 titles for CSK.
CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs in the last three seasons.
Big and surprising news has emerged from the camp of one of the most successful teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The team's veteran and most successful head coach, Stephen Fleming, has resigned from his position. This decision comes after the team's disappointing performance in 2026, ending a successful 18-year-old chapter.
According to a Cricbuzz report, Stephen Fleming will not be seen in the head coach role from next year. Fleming had been associated with CSK since the first season of the IPL and is counted among the most successful coaches in the league.
Chennai Super Kings confirmed this news on their official social media platform 'X'. They stated that the franchise and head coach Stephen Fleming have mutually decided to end their 18-year long association.
With this announcement, one of the longest and most successful coaching tenures in the history of the IPL has come to an end. Fleming's departure is being considered the end of a great era for the team.
The Fleming and Dhoni Duo Created History
Stephen Fleming's relationship with CSK began in 2008 when he joined the team as a player. After playing for just one season, he took on the important responsibility of the team's head coach in 2009.
After that, the duo of Fleming and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni created history together. This pair led Chennai Super Kings to a total of seven titles, including five IPL trophies and two Champions League T20 (CLT20) titles.
During his tenure, CSK made it to the playoffs 12 times and played in a record 10 IPL finals, a significant achievement for any team.
What Did the CSK Management Say?
Reactions have also come from the CSK management on this major decision, who have praised Fleming's contribution.
Owner Rupa Gurunath Applauds
Praising Fleming's contribution, CSK owner Rupa Gurunath said, "Stephen Fleming has been the life 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 added, "On behalf of the Super Kings franchise, we thank him immensely for his unwavering commitment, passion, and leadership. Even though our journey on the field is ending, he will always remain an important part of the team's legacy."
Director Kasi Viswanathan Calls Him the Architect of Culture
Chennai Super Kings' Managing Director Kasi Viswanathan credited Fleming with establishing the franchise's culture. He said, "From the very beginning of this journey, Fleming helped define not only the way we play, but also what we wanted to be as a franchise."
Kasi added, "He built a culture based on consistency, humility, and putting the team first. His ability to understand people and get the best performance out of every team member has been one of his greatest strengths."
Stephen Fleming Gets Emotional on Departure
Speaking on his resignation, Stephen Fleming described his time with CSK as the most important part of his coaching career.
Fleming said, "18 years is a very long time in the world of sports, and I leave here only with gratitude. The time spent with Chennai Super Kings has been the most special experience of my coaching career. I am proud of everything we have achieved. CSK will always be close to my heart, and I will continue to cheer for the team in the years to come."
Why This Situation? Recent Performance Disappointing
CSK won its last IPL title in 2023. However, since then, there has been a continuous decline in the team's performance. In the last three seasons, the Chennai team has failed to qualify for the playoffs.
In the year 2024, CSK was at the fifth position in the points table. In 2025, the team's performance was even worse, and it finished at the bottom in 10th place. Meanwhile, in the 2026 season, the team ended its campaign in eighth place.
CSK has won the IPL title a total of five times (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023).
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