​NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have parted ways with longtime head coach Stephen Fleming, ending a storied era with the former New Zealand captain. TimesofIndia.com has learned that the franchise is evaluating its cricketing operations, with former India batter Hemang Badani emerging as a strong contender to join the coaching setup. At present, CSK’s leadership is stationed in Dallas, where they are reviewing the last several seasons and mapping out the road ahead. While trade negotiations are ongoing, a major decision regarding the entire coaching staff could also be on the horizon. Rupa Gurunath, the daughter of N. Srinivasan and the full-time Director of Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL), has been at the helm of steering crucial decisions. “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,” Rupa stated in a CSK press release. “On behalf of everyone at the Super Kings, we extend our deepest gratitude for his unwavering commitment, passion, and leadership. While our on-field journey together may be evolving, he will always remain an integral part of the team’s legacy.”
As discussions on cricketing matters continue, Hemang Badani, who served as head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC) for the past two seasons, is in the running to join the CSK setup. DC finished fifth and sixth under Badani in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, respectively, narrowly missing the playoffs in his debut season.
Fleming’s association with CSK spans nearly two decades, beginning as a player in the inaugural IPL season and continuing as head coach from 2009 onward. During the franchise’s two-year suspension in 2016 and 2017, he coached Rising Pune Supergiant, guiding them to the 2017 final. Under Fleming, CSK reached 11 finals—10 in the IPL and one in the Champions League—claiming six titles. Yet, the recent years have not matched the earlier crown-glory run. After a narrow miss on the playoffs in 2024, CSK finished 10th and 8th in the subsequent two seasons. The team has also faced underachievement in other leagues where Fleming has been in charge. Joburg Super Kings have reached the SA20 playoffs in each of the last three seasons but have not yet clinched a final, while Texas Super Kings fell short of the MLC title clash in Major League Cricket. This season, they finished last with three wins and seven losses from ten matches.
The coming weeks are poised to be pivotal for CSK, with significant decisions anticipated on player trades, the coaching cadre, and potentially captaincy as the franchise seeks to reclaim its former glory. The scrutiny around CSK’s strategic direction comes amid heightened expectations to restore the squad’s competitive edge and deliver sustained success across formats.
In parallel, the franchise continues to assess leadership and roster options as part of a broader plan to reassert its dominant standing in Indian Premier League and global leagues. As CSK charts its course, supporters and stakeholders alike await clarity on the composition of the coaching staff, the leadership structure, and the pathways designed to rebuild the side around a cohesive vision for glory in the years ahead.