CSK confirmed the decision in an official statement on Monday, July 13, revealing that both parties mutually agreed to end their long-standing association after a series of discussions focused on the franchise’s future ahead of the IPL 2027 season. The five-time IPL champions are yet to announce Fleming’s successor.
Reflecting on his departure, Fleming expressed gratitude for his unforgettable journey with the franchise.
“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 continue cheering for the team in the years ahead,” Fleming said.
Fleming’s coaching tenure is regarded as one of the most successful in franchise cricket. Under his leadership and MS Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK lifted their maiden IPL title in 2010 before successfully defending it in 2011, becoming the first team to win back-to-back IPL championships. The franchise also claimed Champions League T20 titles in 2010 and 2014.
Following CSK’s two-year suspension, Fleming guided the team to a remarkable comeback by winning the 2018 IPL title. The Super Kings added two more championships in 2021 and 2023, taking their overall tally to five IPL titles and cementing their status as one of the league’s most successful franchises.
In recent seasons, however, CSK struggled to replicate their past dominance after Ruturaj Gaikwad took over the captaincy from Dhoni. Questions were raised about the team’s performances and whether a fresh direction was needed, ultimately leading to the decision to part ways with their long-serving head coach.
Paying tribute to Fleming’s immense contribution, CSK Chief Executive Officer Kasi Viswanathan hailed the New Zealander’s role in shaping the franchise’s identity.
“From the earliest days of this journey, Stephen Fleming helped define not only how we played but also what we stood for as a franchise. He built a culture based on consistency, humility, and putting the team first. His influence extends far beyond the cricket field, and we are proud to have shared this remarkable journey together,” Viswanathan said.
With Fleming’s departure marking the end of a golden era, Chennai Super Kings now begin the search for a new head coach as the franchise prepares for the next chapter in its illustrious history.
