Should CSK stick to Stephen Fleming as head coach?

After a few underwhelming seasons, some fans and experts believe that it is time Chennai Super Kings (CSK) show the door to current head coach Stephen Fleming and bring someone else into the role.

CSK won their fourth and fifth IPL titles in 2021 and 2023. However, in the last three seasons, the Men in Yellow have failed to reach the playoffs. While they narrowly missed out on a playoff berth in 2024, last year, they finished at the bottom of the points table, something that happened to them for the first time since the inception of the league.

In IPL 2026, CSK fared slightly better, winning six out of the 14 matches they played. However, they finished third from the bottom, only ahead of the Mumbai Indians and the Lucknow Super Giants.

Fleming has been with the franchise since the inaugural season in 2008. He featured in 2008 as a player but was appointed head coach in the following season. Since then, he has spent 18 seasons as the head coach of CSK. However, is it time for the former New Zealand captain to bid farewell to the prestigious position?

If reports are to be believed, the CSK management has opted for continuity and extended Fleming’s contract. While the former Kiwi opener isn’t the only one to blame for the insipid results, it won’t be wrong to say that he has lost a bit of his Midas touch.

Even in the ongoing Major League Cricket season, the Texas Super Kings have won only one out of their first three matches, despite having a very strong team. In the last three seasons, they have qualified for the playoffs but haven’t managed to lift the coveted title.

Nevertheless, Fleming should be given at least one more season at CSK before the management takes a call on his future. The five-time champions went for an overhaul of their side this season, and things didn’t work out. However, by the time the next season begins, Fleming and the other members of the coaching staff would have had a fair idea about what roles the players can perform well. Expect CSK to do much better in IPL 2027. If not, then they can think of a golden handshake with their iconic head coach.