CSK part ways with Stephen Fleming; Hemang Badani in the fight to participate in the set-up | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has parted ways with its long-serving head coach Stephen Flemingending a long association with the former New Zealand captain. TimesofIndia.com has learned that the franchise is reviewing its cricket operations, along with the former India batsman Hemang Badani emerged as a contender to join the coaching set-up. The franchise’s top brass are currently in Dallas, reviewing the past few seasons and plotting the path forward.As trade discussions continue, an important decision on the entire coaching staff could also be made. Rupa Gurunath, daughter of N Srinivasan and full-time Director of Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL), handles important decisions. On the decision to part ways with Fleming, Rupa said, “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.”“On behalf of everyone in the Super Kings franchise, we extend our deepest gratitude for his unwavering commitment, passion, and leadership. While our journey together on the field is coming to an end, he will always remain a part of the team’s legacy.”As discussions continue on all things cricketing, former Indian cricketer Hemang Badani, head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC) for the last two seasons, is in the running to join the CSK set-up. DC finished fifth and sixth under Badani in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, respectively, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot in his first season.Fleming’s association with CSK spanned nearly two decades, first as a player in the inaugural season of the IPL and then as head coach since 2009. During the franchise’s two-year suspension in 2016 and 2017, he coached Rising Pune Supergiant, guiding the team to the 2017 final. 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 eighth in the next two seasons. The franchise also struggled in other leagues where Fleming was in charge. The Joburg Super Kings have reached the SA20 playoffs in each of the last three seasons but have yet to reach the final, while the Texas Super Kings have also missed out on the Major League Cricket (MLC) title clash. In the current season, they finished last with three wins and seven losses from 10 games.The coming weeks could prove crucial for CSK, with tough decisions expected on trades, coaching staff and even the captaincy as the franchise looks to return to its past glory.
Post Comment