CSK player reacts to Stephen Fleming's exit [Source: AFP, X]The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise and head coach Stephen Fleming “mutually” parted ways from each other a couple of weeks ago. The decision was confirmed by the CSK management after the franchise failed to make it to IPL playoffs for the third successive time this year. Currently heading towards England for a fresh coaching gig, Fleming’s coaching style has now been summarized by a star CSK fast bowler. The bowler in contention, Gurjapneet Singh, heaped a lavish praise on the outbound head coach, as the franchise itself continues to search for its next coach.Fleming never puts pressure on players, says GurjapneetWhile speaking on the sidelines of Madurai Panthers’ jersey launch event for the TNPL 2026 season, CSK fast bowler Gurjapneet Singh praised outbound IPL head coach Stephen Fleming. The 27-year-old cricketer described Fleming as a “very calm” coach, who never puts pressure on his players. Also Read- Hardik Pandya In A Direct Shootout With Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni To Turn Peacemaker In MI-CSK Trade?He said “I was with him for two years. He was very calm and easy to talk to because when we are losing, it’s difficult to talk to the coach sometimes. Everyone is under pressure. But he is a person who doesn’t put pressure on you.”Gurjapneet Singh also recalled CSK’s prolific IPL record under Fleming, and claimed that the former New Zealand captain holds a penchant for finding out every player’s potential. Singh added “He has an X-factor. That’s why CSK was able to win five trophies (under him). I think he leaves everything to the players because he finds out the potential of every player. He always asked me to keep practising my strengths, gain confidence in practice and deliver in the matches. That’s what I tried to do.”CSK’s record under Stephen FlemingStephen Fleming is the most successful coach in the history of IPL cricket. Under his guidance, the CSK franchise lifted five IPL titles, including the 2023 edition of the tournament. Moreover, the franchise also clinched two CLT20 trophies during his tenure. Fleming’s partnership with captain MS Dhoni is often considered to be one of the greatest captain-coach associations in IPL history. However, since Dhoni’s exit as skipper in early 2024, Fleming is yet to guide CSK into the playoffs of an IPL season. Under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s full-time leadership and Dhoni’s interim captaincy, the franchise has failed to make it to the top four in each of the last three editions of the tournament.The team’s newfound losing momentum prompted the management to make way from Fleming.Who will replace Stephen Fleming as CSK coach?As of now, the CSK franchise is yet to announce its next head coach. However, several reports indicate that the franchise is considering the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Rahul Dravid to succeed the outbound New Zealander.Even former captain MS Dhoni recently received the backing of Ashwin to take over the high-profile coaching role of the CSK.Also Read- Joe Root Seals Bazball's Future After Replacing Ben Stokes As England Captain
