Stephen Fleming's Future As CSK Coach Decided After IPL 2026 Humiliation

Stephen Fleming's CSK future revealed [Source: AFP]

Stephen Fleming is undisputedly one of the most decorated coaches in the history of the IPL. A former CSK cricketer himself, the legendary New Zealander has guided the franchise to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies over the course of 17 years as head coach. 

However, CSK’s fortunes of late have not quite matched the lofty standards they have set over the years, with the five-time champions enduring a difficult spell in recent seasons. 

Ever since the franchise lifted the IPL 2023 title under MS Dhoni, the team has failed to qualify for the playoffs in each of the subsequent three editions of the tournament. 

Amidst calls for the sacking of Stephen Fleming as head coach, a recent report has pretty much revealed the future of the former New Zealand captain with the five-time title-winning franchise.

Will Stephen Fleming remain CSK head coach for IPL 2027?

As reported by Cricbuzz, Stephen Fleming will likely continue to coach the CSK franchise, despite their underwhelming performances in recent seasons. 

The report stated that the franchise is not expected to make any changes with the team’s coaching setup, and is intending to retain the former New Zealand cricketer.

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Since Fleming’s contract is renewed annually, the Cricbuzz report has stated that it will once again be extended for next year’s IPL 2027 season.

It is worth noting that several CSK fans have recently called for the sacking of the 53-year-old as CSK head coach. 

The former New Zealand captain is currently in the USA as head coach of CSK’s sister franchise, the Texas Super Kings in the MLC 2026 season.

Stephen Fleming’s coaching record with CSK

Fleming has been associated with the CSK franchise since the inaugural edition of the IPL. However, in his maiden year with the franchise, the legendary New Zealand batter served as one of the players in the MS Dhoni-led squad. 

He was appointed as CSK head coach the following season, and has remained attached to the role since then. Under his guidance, the CSK franchise won the IPL titles in successive seasons (2010, 2011), and lifted the 2018 trophy after making its return following a two-season ban.

Fleming also guided CSK to title victories in 2021 and 2023, and was their head coach during CLT20 wins in the years 2010 and 2014.

However, it is worth noting that each of CSK’s seven title victories have occurred under the leadership of MS Dhoni. Ever since the legendary Indian stumper has stepped down as captain, Fleming has failed to guide the franchise into the playoffs in the past three editions. 

Even in this year’s IPL 2026 season, CSK finished eighth on the ten-team points table with mere six wins from 14 matches.

CSK eyeing Shahbaz Ahmed for IPL 2027

Apart from reportedly taking a stand on Stephen Fleming as head coach, the CSK franchise is also eyeing LSG spinner Shahbaz Ahmed for next year’s IPL 2027 season.

A report indicates that the LSG franchise, however, is reluctant to let go of Ahmed following his Bengal T20 success.

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