Stephen Fleming Departs Chennai Super Kings After 18-Year Stint

Mumbai. The 18-year association between Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the most successful team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and head coach Stephen Fleming has ended. The franchise officially announced this on social media on Monday.

Chennai wrote on social media X, 'We have decided to part ways by mutual consent. We have shared one of the most successful and longest-lasting partnerships in IPL history. The legacy you have built will always inspire us. With heartfelt respect and gratitude, thank you Stephen.'

Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming joined Chennai as a player in the first edition of the IPL. He took over the responsibility of the team's coach in 2009 and led the team to its first IPL title in 2010.

After the end of the collaboration, Fleming said, 'An 18-year period in a playing career is equivalent to a whole lifetime. The time spent with Chennai Super Kings has been the greatest honor of my coaching career.'

He mentioned that during his time with the team, they achieved memorable victories together, faced difficult times, and created memories that will always remain, stating that CSK will always be close to his heart and he will continue to support the team in the future.

Most Successful Coach in IPL History

Fleming's strategy, calm leadership, and trust in players became Chennai's main identity. He and MS Dhoni's pair are considered the most successful coach-captain pair in IPL history. Under Fleming's coaching, Chennai has won the IPL title five times.

Chennai Super Kings last won the IPL title in 2023. After that, the team's performance continuously declined. The team finished fifth in the 2024 season and last in 2025. In the recently concluded 2026 season, the team finished eighth and was out of the playoff race.

After such poor performance by the team, the franchise has decided to move forward in a new direction. With this, the long and successful chapter with Fleming has ended. Chennai clarified in its statement that this decision was taken after open and positive discussions between both parties.

The franchise has not yet announced the name of the new head coach. It is also not yet clear whether Fleming will continue his coaching role with other teams under the Super Kings family, Texas Super Kings (MLC) and Joburg Super Kings (SA20).