HighLights
  1. Stephen Fleming has been a part of CSK since the inaugural IPL season.
  2. CSK finished eighth in IPL 2026.
  3. CSK's last IPL title came in 2023.

Stephen Fleming’s long and successful journey with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has come to an end. The former New Zealand captain has stepped down as the franchise’s head coach after spending 17 seasons with the team.

Fleming was part of CSK from the very beginning of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He joined the franchise as a player in the inaugural season before taking over as head coach, a role in which he helped build one of the most successful teams in the tournament’s history.

In a statement released on July 13, CSK confirmed that both the franchise and Fleming had mutually decided to part ways. The decision came after discussions with the management following the team’s disappointing eighth-place finish in IPL 2026.

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Fleming’s farewell message

“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 was quoted as saying in CSK’s official statement.

“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.”

Three difficult seasons before the exit

CSK’s performances have dipped over the last three IPL seasons. The franchise last lifted the trophy in 2023 after defeating Gujarat Titans in the final under MS Dhoni’s captaincy.

In 2024, CSK narrowly missed out on a playoff spot after losing a must-win match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The following season turned out to be even tougher as the team finished at the bottom of the table for the first time, managing only four wins in 14 matches.

After that, the five-time champions CSK finished the 2026 season on a disappointing note, finishing eighth, which might have led to the decision to end Fleming’s long association with the franchise.

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A remarkable coaching legacy

Under his leadership, CSK won five IPL titles and established themselves as one of the league’s most consistent teams. The franchise also won the now-defunct Champions League T20 twice during his tenure. In addition, CSK reached the IPL playoffs 12 times and played in 10 finals, making Fleming one of the most successful coaches in the tournament’s history.

CSK thanks Fleming for his contribution

CSK owner Rupa Gurunath described Fleming as the heartbeat of the team’s coaching setup and thanked him for everything he had done for the franchise.

Managing Director Kasi Viswanathan also praised the former New Zealand opener for creating a team-first culture at CSK. He credited Fleming for building a consistent winning environment and for bringing out the best in every player who represented the franchise.


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