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Stephen Fleming has been CSK head coach since 2009. Credits- AFP
For the third straight season, the joint-most successful franchise, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), is not having a great time in the Indian Premier League. Although CSK still have a chance to qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2026, the Ruturaj Gaikwad and Stephen Fleming-led team is not looking like a team to beat.
After eight matches this season, Chennai have won just three and lost eight games. As a result, various tactical calls from the coach-captain combo have come under scrutiny.
Skipper Gaikwad is still young in terms of his captaincy experience, but the CSK head coach has been at the head coach's chair since 2009. Thus, Fleming has been getting the blame for CSK's downfall in recent times more than anyone.
With CSK struggling in the IPL 2025, a report is surfacing that Stephen Fleming's tenure as CSK head coach might come to an end soon. Allegedly, the Chennai-based franchise might have a potential ownership change next year as well.
If that happens, CSK will move on from the current head coach, and MS Dhoni might become a key figure of the backroom staff.
"Stephen Fleming may not continue as head coach of Chennai Super Kings if the internal power struggle persists," a report from Cricblogger quoted.
"There is also speculation about a potential ownership change next year. A southern India–based business house is believed to be interested in acquiring a stake in CSK, with Dhoni possibly taking on a central role in the new structure," it added.
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MS Dhoni not happy with Samson-Jadeja trade!
The report also stated that the former CSK captain MS Dhoni wasn't aware of the trade with Rajasthan, in which the five-time champions let go of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to acquire Sanju Samson.
"MS Dhoni was not informed about the trade involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson — a move that left him red-faced," the report stated.
Although the traded Samson has been the best batter for the team, hitting two swashbuckling centuries, both coming in victories. So far, the T20 World Cup hero has hit 304 runs in just eight innings, striking nearly at 170.
Is MS Dhoni ruled out of IPL 2026?
Interestingly, MS Dhoni has not played any games for CSK this season. Some reports suggest that the legendary cricketer will get match-fit soon, but a well-known journalist reported that he has been completely ruled out of the IPL 2026.
After CSK’s match against Gujarat, head coach Stephen Fleming also spoke about Dhoni’s calf injury and how the management does not want to push him.
It is worth noting that CSK has won all five of its titles with the Dhoni and Fleming combo at the helm.
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