A long journey has come to an end. New Zealand legend Stephen Fleming has stepped down as head coach of the Chennai Super Kings, the franchise confirmed in a statement on Monday.
Fleming joined Chennai as a player in the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008 and took over as the team’s coach the following year. For almost two decades, he led Chennai to the pinnacle of franchise cricket success, forging a legendary partnership with former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
In a statement on Fleming’s departure, the Chennai management said, “After very cordial discussions between Fleming and the Super Kings management, both parties have decided to part ways by mutual consent. It is with the utmost respect and gratitude that this 18-year relationship comes to an end.”
Under Fleming, Chennai Super Kings became the most consistent team in IPL history. During his tenure, Chennai appeared in 10 IPL finals, winning the trophy five times. The franchise also won two Champions League T20 titles under his watch.
However, Chennai have lost their familiar rhythm in recent seasons. After finishing ninth in 2022, they bounced back to win the championship in 2023. They then finished fifth in 2024, bottom of the table in 2025, and eighth in the current 2026 season.
In addition to his role at Chennai, Fleming served as head coach of the Super Kings franchise’s two other teams — Joburg Super Kings and Texas Super Kings. Joburg Super Kings reached the playoffs four times in South Africa’s domestic T20 tournament but never made it to the final. In the American Major League Cricket, Texas Super Kings reached the playoffs in their first three seasons before being eliminated in the group stage in the current 2026 season. This proved to be Fleming’s final assignment with the Super Kings franchise.
After 18 years together, an emotional Fleming said, “18 years is like a lifetime in the world of sports. Taking charge of Chennai Super Kings has been the greatest honour of my coaching career. We have celebrated unforgettable victories together and weathered difficult times. CSK will always be close to my heart.”
Chennai owner Rupa Gurunath expressed her gratitude to Fleming, saying, “Stephen Fleming was the driving force behind our franchise’s identity, vision, and excellence for nearly two decades. Even though his time on the field with us is over, he will always be a part of our pride.”
