Fleming exit may lead to wider CSK shake-up

Stephen Fleming's removal as head coach of Chennai Super Kings may not be the end — more changes could follow. The exit, described by CSK management as a mutual parting of ways, could be the first of many. It will not be surprising if bowling coach Eric Simons is next. There is no information yet on batting coach Mike Hussey, but the Super Kings appear headed for a major shake-up.

CEO Kasi Viswanathan told this website only last month that Fleming would continue next year. So what changed? Seven defeats in 10 matches in this season's Major League Cricket (MLC), where Texas Super Kings finished bottom of the table, may have been the final straw.

The decision had been brewing for some time. An undercurrent of discontent had simmered within the CSK leadership group. First, a feeling that the New Zealander had been with the franchise too long and a change was necessary for progress. Second, the team's performances over the last three IPL seasons had been underwhelming — fifth in 2024, last (10th) in 2025 and eighth this year.

"He should voluntarily step down," a CSK insider told this website. The perception was that Fleming enjoyed MS Dhoni's backing and was expected to continue for at least another year.

"We had an honest discussion and decided that we should part ways," Viswanathan told Cricbuzz from the US. He said it was a collective decision by the franchise's leadership group, with all owners involved. A board meeting was held a couple of days ago, where the decision was formally ratified.

"Stephen Fleming has been the heartbeat of our coaching unit for almost the entire journey of this franchise," said owner Rupa Gurunath. She may have had a big say in the decision. N Srinivasan would have been informed.

So who after Fleming? Viswanathan says no decision has been taken and the position is open to everyone — from Rahul Dravid to Hemang Badani. "We have not decided whether we will go with an Indian or an overseas coach," he said. A decision is unlikely before next month.