Ahead Of IPL 2027, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Stephen Fleming have decided to mutually part ways following the latter’s 18-year tenure as the head coach of the franchise. According to the official statement released by the Super Kings, both parties had honest and open discussions, following which Fleming decided to move on from the franchise. With the former New Zealand captain departing, will MS Dhoni get the role?
Will MS Dhoni be appointed as the Chennai Super Kings coach?
With Dhoni’s playing future highly doubtful, he will highly come under consideration for a coaching role ahead of IPL 2027. The keeper-batter has the joint-highest number of titles as captain, winning five for the Super Kings, along with Rohit Sharma, who ushered the Mumbai Indians to glory on as many occasions. While there have been no indication of Dhoni getting a coaching role, he could be a contender.
Fleming joined Chennai Super Kings as a player in the IPL’s inaugural year (2008) and took over as head coach from 2009. Over the next 17 years, the association built one of the most respected and consistent set-ups in franchise cricket. The 53-year-old also served as the head coach for both the subsidiaries of Super Kings — Joburg Super Kings (in the SA20) and the Texas Super Kings (in Major League Cricket). Under Fleming, CSK has won five IPL trophies as well as 2 Champions League Twenty20 tournaments. The team has entered the playoffs a record 12 times, while also being part of 10 IPL finals.
“Eighteen years is a lifetime in sport” – Stephen Fleming
Rupa Gurunath, Owner, Chennai Super Kings, said:
“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. 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,” she added.
KS Viswanathan, Managing Director, Chennai Super Kings, said:
“From the earliest days of this journey, Fleming helped define not just how we played, but what we wanted to be as a franchise. He built a culture rooted in consistency, humility, and putting the team first. His ability to understand people and bring out the best from individuals across the team has been one of his greatest strengths. His influence extends far beyond the boundary, and we are proud to have shared this remarkable journey together,” he added.
Stephen Fleming said:
“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. 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.
The Super Kings failed to make the playoffs on the last three occasions.
(With inputs from ANI)
