While expressing delight at CSK having parted ways with Stephen Fleming, former India off-spinner, R Ashwin said, “Rather it was time for CSK to look at others, as Fleming has a tremendous time-long association with the Chennai Super Kings.”
On Tuesday, CSK confirmed their split with the name of Stephen Fleming, the name of the franchise since its inception in 2008. Fleming was also head coach of sister franchises Texas Super Kings and Jo’burg Super Kings.
Fleming was a great batsman and understood what MS Dhoni and MS Dhoni knew that Fleming was a great bowler; and the duo went on for so long. I would say it was about time Chennai Super Kings, Ashwin said.
If MS Dhoni is ready to step in as a coach, there would be “no better person,” Ashwin said. But if otherwise, then CSK should have to find someone who can work without the guidance of others and can be responsible for their own actions.
Challenges for the New Coach
Ashwin said the job of the new coach is going to be difficult as they’ll be working in the shadow of Dhoni.
“I think there is a small aspect of uncertainty for anybody that will walk into that dressing room,” he said. “Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a big name, and he’s still a very big part of it… To someone who walks into the dressing room and takes over the reins from Stephen Fleming, it’s very delicate.
Ashwin, who had worked with Fleming twice, praised the New Zealander’s qualities of being able to create a pressure-free environment and running high quality practice sessions. But long service can sometimes result in “staleness,” he said.
Stephen Fleming’s legacy will remain very high, but it will be very difficult for anyone to fill in his shoes. Chennai Super Kings will be in an interesting phase. It’s an exciting opportunity to change that new fabric,” Ashwin added.
The veteran spinner feels that the franchise is at a pivotal juncture as it’s deciding between a strong independent head coach to run the ship on its own terms and Dhoni as its core.
Currently, CSK has not confirmed the identity of Fleming’s replacement, and doubts persist on Dhoni’s playing future due to his knee ailment and absence from the entire season of IPL 2026.
