CSK part ways with Stephen Fleming; Hemang Badani is trying to join the lineup

Hemang Badani is likely to replace Stephen Fleming at Chennai Super Kings.Chennai Super Kings have parted ways with Stephen FlemingHemang Badani is likely to replace Stephen Fleming at Chennai Super Kings.Chennai Super Kings have parted ways with Stephen FlemingHemang Badani is likely to replace Stephen Fleming at Chennai Super Kings. NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have parted ways with long-time head coach Stephen Fleming, ending a long association with the former New Zealand captain. TimesofIndia.com has learned that the franchise is reviewing its cricket operations, with former India batsman Hemang Badani emerging as a contender to join the coaching staff. The franchise’s top brass is currently in Dallas, reviewing the past few seasons and planning the road ahead. While trade talks are underway, a major decision could also be made regarding the entire coaching staff. Rupa Gurunath, daughter of N Srinivasan and full-time director of Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL), oversaw key decisions. “Stephen Fleming has been the heart of our coaching staff for almost the entire journey of this franchise. For nearly two decades, he has helped shape our identity, vision and pursuit of excellence,” CSK’s press release quoted Rupa as saying.“On behalf of everyone in the Super Kings franchise, we express our deepest gratitude for his unwavering commitment, passion and leadership. While our journey together on the field comes to an end, he will always remain an integral part of the team’s legacy.”While discussions on all things cricket continue, former Indian cricketer Hemang Badani, the head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC) for the last two seasons, is set to join the CSK line-up. DC finished fifth and sixth under Badani in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot in his first season.Fleming’s association with CSK spans nearly two decades, first as a player in the inaugural season of the IPL and then as head coach from 2009. During the franchise’s two-year suspension in 2016 and 2017, he coached Rising Pune Supergiant, guiding the team to the 2017 finals. Under Fleming, CSK reached 11 finals, 10 in the IPL and one in the Champions League, winning six titles.However, recent years have been disappointing. After narrowly missing the playoffs in 2024, CSK finished 10th and eighth in the following two seasons. The franchise also struggled in other leagues where Fleming was in charge. The Joburg Super Kings have reached the SA20 play-offs in each of the last three seasons but are yet to reach the final, while the Texas Super Kings have also failed to reach the Major League Cricket (MLC) title challenge. They finished last in the current season with three wins and seven defeats from 10 games.The coming weeks could prove to be significant for CSK as tough decisions are expected regarding replacements, coaching staff and even the captaincy as the franchise looks to restore its past glory.