The Chennai Super Kings and head coach Stephen Fleming decided to part ways mutually after 18 years of association. The IPL franchise confirmed the news in a release on Monday as well. CSK last won the IPL title way back in 2023, and since then, they failed to qualify for the playoffs in the 2024, 2025, and 2026 seasons as well. Their repeated failures questioned Fleming’s future too.
In a release, CSK said: “The Super Kings and Stephen Fleming have decided to mutually part ways, bringing to a close one of the most successful and enduring partnerships in the history of the Indian Premier League. The decision was reached with respect and gratitude, following a series of open and honest discussions between Fleming and the Super Kings management.”
However, Stephen Fleming joined CSK as a player in the IPL’s inaugural year (2008) and took over as head coach way back in 2009. Under Fleming, CSK won 5 IPL trophies as well as 2 Champions League Twenty20 tournaments. The team played in the playoffs a record 12 times while also being part of 10 IPL finals as well.
CSK owner Rupa Gurunath also 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,” the owner further said.
“I leave with nothing but gratitude” – Stephen Fleming
KS Viswanathan, the Managing Director of the franchise, also said that Fleming’s ability to understand people was one of his biggest strengths as well.
“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,” he said. “His influence extends far beyond the boundary, and we are proud to have shared this remarkable journey together.”
Speaking of his exit from the franchise, Fleming said, “Eighteen years is a lifetime in sport, and I leave with nothing but gratitude. My time with the 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.”
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