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Stephen Fleming and Chennai Super Kings, sister franchises part ways after 18-year partnership

Statesman News Service

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming ( IANS Photo / Siddharaj Solanki)


The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and head coach Stephen Fleming have mutually decided to part ways, bringing an end to one of the most successful and enduring partnerships in Indian Premier League (IPL) history.

According to an official statement released by the franchise, the decision followed a series of open and honest discussions between Fleming and the Super Kings management and was made with mutual respect and gratitude.

Fleming first joined CSK as a player during the inaugural IPL season in 2008 before taking over as head coach in 2009. Over the next 18 years, he helped transform the franchise into one of the league’s most successful and consistent teams.

Under Fleming’s guidance, Chennai Super Kings won five IPL titles and two Champions League Twenty20 trophies. The franchise also reached the IPL playoffs a record 12 times and featured in 10 finals, cementing its reputation as one of the league’s most dominant teams.

Super Kings’ global franchises also bid farewell to Fleming

In addition to his role with Chennai Super Kings, Fleming also served as head coach of the franchise’s sister teams, Joburg Super Kings in SA20 and Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket. Both franchises have also confirmed their decision to part ways with the former New Zealand captain, announcing the development through separate statements on social media.

“The Texas Super Kings and Stephen Fleming have mutually agreed to part ways. We extend our sincere gratitude for his contributions to the franchise. We wish Fleming the best for his future,” TSK wrote on X.


“Joburg Super Kings and Stephen Fleming have mutually agreed to part ways. We sincerely thank Fleming for his leadership, dedication, and contribution. We wish him the best for his future,” JSK wrote.

CSK pays tribute to Fleming’s legacy

Paying tribute to the outgoing coach, CSK owner Rupa Gurunath described Fleming as the cornerstone of the franchise’s success.

“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.”

Managing Director KS Viswanathan also praised Fleming’s influence on the franchise’s culture.

“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.

“His influence extends far beyond the boundary, and we are proud to have shared this remarkable journey together.”

‘CSK will always be close to my heart’: Fleming

Reflecting on his time with the franchise, Fleming thanked the team and supporters for an unforgettable journey.

“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 be cheering the team on for years to come.”

CSK’s last IPL title came in 2023, when the franchise lifted its fifth championship. However, the team has struggled to replicate that success in recent seasons, finishing fifth in 2024 before slipping to the bottom of the table in 2025 and ending the 2026 campaign in eighth place.

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