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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has been one of the most successful franchises in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) history. The five-time champions have been undergoing a difficult phase as they have failed to qualify for the playoffs in consecutive seasons. The Men in Yellow have been under transition under Ruturaj Gaikwad. Amidst this, the management has decided to retain head coach Stephen Fleming.
As per the reports from Cricbuzz, Stephen Fleming, who led one of the most successful eras in IPL history, will remain as head coach. The former New Zealand captain, who has been with CSK since 2008 and has served as head coach since 2009, has been retained by the franchise despite recent rumours of him leaving the franchise.
Stephen Fleming continues as CSK head coach
There were speculations around Chennai Super Kings’ coaching setup following a disappointing season. They finished 8th in the points table with 12 points in IPL 2026, losing 8 games and winning just 6. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s side has been struggling since the last few seasons, as they finished fifth in 2024 and bottom in 2025, which marked their worst season of all time.
The fans of Chennai were clearly unhappy with Fleming as a coach and wanted the management to remove him. There were also “Sack Fleming” campaigns viral on social media. However, the five-time winners are not expected to change their decisions with Fleming set to remain in charge and continue as head coach, at least for the next season.
Is MS Dhoni influencing CSK’s management?
The development suggests that MS Dhoni’s influence in the side continues, as Dhoni has an amazing connection with Fleming, which has grown stronger over the years. The former CSK captain previously used to make sides and inform the management to invest in experienced cricketers.
Stephen Fleming is currently serving as the head coach of Texas Super Kings, which features in the Major League Cricket (MLC). He also serves as the head coach of the Joburg Super Kings (JSK) in the SA20 league. He has been at the helm of the Johannesburg-based franchise since the inaugural season, leveraging his long-standing association with Chennai as both teams are franchises based of same owners.
Chennai set to release Khaleel Ahmed?
Meanwhile, the franchise has received a few trade offers. On Monday, there were rumours that CSK and the Delhi Capitals could consider a deal involving Khaleel Ahmed and David Miller, but both franchises have firmly rejected this. As Miller has been a crucial part of the Capitals side and holds on to their middle order.
Chennai’s whole review is expected to take place after the conclusion of the MLC. But there will not be any kind of coaching changes. The Men in Yellow desperately need someone in the middle order because they have crumbled in the same place over the past few seasons.
Texas Super Kings today played against the MI New York, where Kieron Pollard’s side had the better of the Men in Yellow as they first bowled them out for 156 runs and chased down the target with 8 wickets in hand.
