Stephen Fleming, the longest-serving and most successful coach in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has stepped down from his role at Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

The franchise and Fleming have parted ways, the team announced on Monday (July 13), ending a 17-year association.

Decorated coaching career

Former New Zealand captain Fleming, a left-handed batter, joined CSK as a player in the IPL’s inaugural year in 2008 and took over as head coach from 2009. Over the next 17 years, the association built one of the most respected and consistent set-ups in franchise cricket.

Also read: CSK and Fleming part ways

Under Fleming, CSK have won 5 IPL trophies (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023) as well as 2 Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20) tournaments (2010 and 2014). The team entered the playoffs a record 12 times in 14 seasons, while also being part of 10 IPL finals.

At CSK, Fleming and captain MS Dhoni forged a formidable partnership over the years. Their first IPL title came in 2010 and the same year did a double with CLT20 trophy. When CSK was suspended in 2016 and 2017, Fleming became Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) coach and guided the team to the final in 2017.

One of the shrewd thinkers in cricket, Fleming was known for keeping a low profile in a high-profile franchise, which is one of the most followed T20 teams in the world.

Not only was he the guiding force behind CSK’s success, Fleming was also a familiar face at most of CSK’s post-match press conferences. He did not shy away from facing the media’s questions when the team was failing.

Among his achievements is becoming the first coach to win back-to-back IPL trophies, in 2010 and 2011. The feat was later matched by Mahela Jayawardene of Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2019 and 2020 and recently by Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Andy Flower (2025 and 2026).

Why Fleming left CSK and other franchises

Fleming has also ended his head coaching responsibilities with CSK’s other franchises – Joburg Super Kings (SA20) and Texas Super Kings (MLC).

In May, after CSK failed to qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs, Fleming said it was the team management’s call to decide on his future. “I’d say it’s a choice for the management,” Fleming said.

The move to end the association with Fleming was expected as CSK has failed to win a title in the last three years. This season, they finished eighth in the table, while in IPL 2025, they were 10th and last in the table. In IPL 2024, they finished fifth, narrowly missing out on the playoffs.

CSK said the decision to part ways was mutual and came after “open and honest discussions”.

“The Super Kings and Stephen Fleming have decided to mutually part ways, bringing to a close one of the most successful and enduring partnerships in the history of the Indian Premier League. The decision was reached with respect and gratitude, following a series of open and honest discussions between Fleming and the Super Kings management,” CSK said in a statement.

Will Dhoni become player-cum-coach in IPL 2027?

With CSK in transition under new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Dhoni not playing the entire IPL 2026 due to injury, there are speculations that CSK team management may ask Dhoni to become player-cum-coach for IPL 2027.

While CSK called Fleming “the heartbeat of the coaching unit”, Dhoni is also the team’s heartbeat. You cannot image CSK franchise without Dhoni, popularly referred to “Thala” (Leader) in Tamil Nadu.

There is also another possibility that Dhoni will take up the head coach’s role at CSK full-time and retire as a player from next year. Even if Dhoni is not chosen as the head coach, he is likely to take up a mentor role.

What next for Fleming

Fleming, 53, has not revealed his plans. However, there will IPL teams who will be keen to hire his services ahead of IPL 2027.

Having been with CSK since the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008, Fleming leaves behind a rich legacy at the franchise and if he decides to coach another team, he is certain to make a mark there as well.

Stephen Fleming’s IPL career as player and coach at CSK

As a player: 10 matches for CSK in 2008. Total runs: 196

As a coach: 5 IPL trophies (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023), 2 CLT20 trophies (2010 and 2014)