Perhaps the biggest news of the IPL 2027 season is here already. In the season of IPL trades, team Chennai Super Kings have axed New Zealand’s Stephen Fleming from the head coach role. This is for the very first time that he has been removed from that position in a tenure that lasted 17 years, having joined the support staff way back in 2009.
Stephen Fleming ousted from CSK, Super Kings family
Not just that, the Super Kings family have also axed him from other franchises’ head coach as well — in the SA20, Joburg Super Kings, and Texas Super Kings in MLC. “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,” Rupa Gurunath was quoted in a CSK press release.
- Fleming coaching achievements
- Guided CSK to the championship in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023, tying for the most titles won by a coach in tournament history
- Led the franchise to global T20 glory by winning the tournament in 2010 and 2014.
- 10 IPL Finals: Steered the team to the final match in 10 out of his seasons at the helm.
- In 2024, outside the IPL, reached the final of the Hundred as a coach with Southern Brave
“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.”
Under Stephen Fleming, CSK won 5 IPL titles, 2 Champions League T20s, made the playoffs 12 times, a record, and played 10 IPL finals. No other team has been that consistent. Apart from the trophies though, he gave CSK its identity of calm alongside MS Dhoni. Many former CSK players laud about Chennai’s team environment that was basically created by himself.
Hemang Badani in contention for CSK head coach role
That is not it. As per a report in the Times of India, former India batter Hemang Badani seems to be the top contender for the job, who was also the coach of DC in IPL 2026. It also seems that the top brass of CSK is currently in Dallas, reviewing the last few seasons, and planning the road ahead.
But as much as Fleming gave to CSK, the last few years were rough. They won the IPL in 2023, and since then… nothing. Three seasons in a row, no playoffs. A big part of that was figuring out life without Dhoni running things on the field every day. And to be honest, the squad started looking a bit behind the times. While other teams went all-out aggressive in T20 cricket, CSK often looked like they were playing catch-up. It got tougher. Bottom of the table in IPL 2025. Bottom again in IPL 2026.
Even the Texas Super Kings struggled in MLC. With results like that, the management had to take a hard look at things before the next cycle. And in the end, both sides agreed that it was time for a change. Time to go in different directions.
Cricket
Stephen Fleming ousted from Super Kings family, Hemang Badani in running for CSK top spot
