NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) parted ways with the long-time head coach Stephen Flemingending a long association with the former New Zealand captain. TimesofIndia.com has learned that the franchise is reviewing its cricket practice, with the former India batsman Hemang Badani he is coming as a contender to join the academic community. The franchise’s top brass is currently in Dallas, reviewing the past few seasons and planning for the future. While the business negotiations are underway, a general decision on the whole teaching team can be made as well. Rupa Gurunath, daughter of N Srinivasan and the all-time Director of Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL), has been overseeing the major selections. “Stephen Fleming has been at the heart of our coaching staff for almost the entire journey of this franchise. For nearly two decades, he has helped shape our knowledge, vision, and pursuit of excellence,” Rupa was quoted in a CSK press release.“On behalf of everyone in the Super Kings franchise, we extend our deepest gratitude for his unwavering commitment, passion, and leadership. Although our journey together on the field will come to an end, he will always remain an important part of the team’s legacy.”As the talk of all cricketing news continues, former Indian cricketer Hemang Badani, the head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC) for the past two seasons, is on the verge of joining CSK. DC finished fifth and sixth under Badani in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, respectively, narrowly missing out on the final spot in his first season.Fleming’s association with CSK spans almost two decades, first as a player in the first season of the IPL and then as a head coach from 2009. During the franchise’s two-year suspension in 2016 and 2017, he coached Rising Pune Supergiant, leading the team until the end of 2017. Under Fleming, CSK reached 11 finals, 10 in the IPL and one in the Champions League, winning six titles.However, the past few years have been disappointing. After narrowly missing the playoffs in 2024, CSK finished 10th and 8th in the next two years. The franchise also struggled in some of the teams Fleming managed. The Joburg Super Kings have reached the SA20 playoffs in each of the past three seasons but failed to reach the finals, while the Texas Super Kings have also failed to reach the Major League Cricket (MLC) competition. In the current season, they finished last with three wins and seven losses in 10 games.The coming weeks could be crucial for CSK, with tough decisions looming over the business, coaching and captaincy as the franchise looks to regain its former glory.
