CSK parts ways with Stephen Fleming, Ashwin backs Dhoni

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have mutually parted ways with head coach Stephen Fleming, ending a nearly two-decade association that defined one of the most successful eras in Indian Premier League history. The franchise confirmed the departure on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, initiating a major transition for the five-time champions.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who played for CSK, believes the franchise must now seek a fresh direction and that iconic former captain MS Dhoni is the ideal candidate to succeed Fleming if he is willing to take the role. "If Dhoni is willing to do that, there is no better person that Chennai Super Kings can go after," Ashwin said in an interview. He added that it was "about time" the team looked beyond Fleming's long tenure.

Fleming first joined CSK as a player in the inaugural 2008 season before becoming head coach in 2009. Over the next 17 years, he built the team into a model of consistency, guiding them to five IPL titles, two Champions League T20 trophies, 10 IPL finals, and 12 playoff appearances. However, the team has not reached the playoffs since its last title win in 2023 and finished in the bottom half of the table in the 2026...