Chennai Super Kings’ struggles in IPL 2026 have put coach Stephen Fleming in the spotlight, with former Indian cricketer Sadagoppan Ramesh questioning Fleming’s effectiveness in the absence of MS Dhoni. Ramesh suggested that Fleming’s success has been closely linked to Dhoni’s leadership in the past.
CSK’s poor performance has fueled the debate further. The team, which finished at the bottom in the previous season, has started IPL 2026 with three consecutive losses, including a heavy defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), leaving them languishing at the bottom of the points table.
Ramesh commented, “Fleming has never achieved success without Dhoni leading the team. It’s evident that Fleming’s accomplishments rely heavily on Dhoni. In today’s dynamic game, just as a player’s form is scrutinized, the coach should face the same scrutiny.”
He added, “Stephen Fleming appears to struggle to adapt to the aggressive nature of the modern game. He seems to be lagging five steps behind.”
The statistics surrounding CSK’s recent decline paint a troubling picture. The transition from Dhoni to Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain before IPL 2024 has been challenging, with the team failing to make the playoffs and finishing last in the following season.
Fleming, who guided CSK to all five IPL titles during the Dhoni era, has started showing cracks in the absence of the iconic captain-coach partnership.
The issues plaguing CSK in IPL 2026 are multifaceted, spanning strategy and execution. The bowling department, especially in the death overs, has been a major concern, leaking runs at a high rate and struggling to finish games. In a format where power-hitting and aggressive play are crucial, CSK’s tactics have seemed outdated.
Furthermore, questions surround the team’s squad composition and auction strategies, lacking explosive players essential in modern T20 cricket. CSK’s failure to adapt to changing trends stands out, as other teams embrace high-risk, high-reward cricket.
Fleming’s involvement with other leagues like Major League Cricket and SA20, coupled with limited success, has also drawn attention, adding to the discussion around his coaching methods.
This phase of inconsistency is unfamiliar for a team known for stability and clarity. As losses mount, the scrutiny on Fleming intensifies, highlighting the need for a turnaround in CSK’s fortunes.