New Delhi, 13 July (H.S.): Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has ended its 18-year association with head coach Stephen Fleming. The franchise and the former New Zealand captain have mutually agreed to part ways following what CSK described as open and honest discussions between Fleming and the team management.

Fleming first joined Chennai Super Kings as a player during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. He took over as the franchise's head coach in 2009 and, alongside captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, transformed CSK into one of the most successful and consistent teams in IPL history.

During Fleming's tenure from 2009 to 2026, Chennai Super Kings won five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies. Under his guidance, the franchise reached the IPL playoffs a record 12 times and played in 10 IPL finals, establishing itself as one of the league's most consistent performers.

However, the team's performances declined in recent seasons. CSK won its last IPL title in 2023 before finishing fifth in 2024, slipping to the bottom of the table in 2025, and ending the 2026 season in eighth place.

Beyond the IPL, Fleming also coached other franchises under the Super Kings umbrella. In South Africa's SA20 league, Joburg Super Kings reached the playoffs in all four seasons but failed to qualify for the final. In Major League Cricket (MLC), Texas Super Kings reached the playoffs in each of their first three seasons but were unable to make the final. The team finished at the bottom of the standings in the 2026 MLC season and missed the playoffs.

CSK owner Rupa Gurunath said in an official statement, Stephen Fleming has been the heartbeat of our coaching unit for almost the entire journey. For nearly two decades, he shaped our identity, philosophy, and culture of excellence. On behalf of the Super Kings family, we sincerely thank him for his dedication, passion, and leadership. While our on-field journey together comes to an end, he will always remain an integral part of this franchise's legacy.

In his farewell message, Fleming said, Eighteen years is a very long time in professional sport, and I leave with nothing but gratitude. My time with Chennai Super Kings has been the greatest honour of my coaching career. Together, we celebrated unforgettable victories, endured difficult moments, and created memories that will stay with me forever. CSK will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to be one of its biggest supporters in the years ahead.

CSK Managing Director K.S. Viswanathan said, From the very beginning, Stephen Fleming shaped not only the way we played but also the culture of the franchise. He instilled consistency, humility, and the principle of putting the team above everything else. His ability to understand players and bring out the best in them has always been his greatest strength. His influence extends far beyond the cricket field, and we are proud to have shared this remarkable journey with him.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar