Overview
- CSK announced on Monday, July 13, 2026, that long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming and the franchise have mutually decided to part ways after an 18-year association.
- Fleming guided CSK to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies but the team missed the playoffs for three straight seasons, finishing bottom in 2025 and eighth in 2026, which the club cited in post-season discussions.
- Franchise leaders praised Fleming’s role in building CSK’s culture and called the decision one of respect and gratitude while Fleming said he leaves with pride and will remain a supporter of the team.
- Media reports say CSK is evaluating a broader management shake-up with bowling coach Eric Simons named as a possible next departure and internal and external candidates such as Hemang Badani being discussed for the head-coach vacancy.
- The club now faces the task of naming a successor and reshaping its coaching strategy ahead of the IPL 2027 cycle and the upcoming mega-auction, a move that could reshape selection, player roles, and the sister teams in MLC and SA20.