Chennai, July 13:
Five time winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Monday parted ways with its head coach and former New Zeland cricket Stephen Fleming, a vital cog who has been with the team right from the inaugural edition in 2008.
A statement from CSK said 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 (IPL).
The decision was reached with respect and gratitude, following a series of open and honest discussions between Fleming and the Super Kings management, it said.
Fleming joined CSK as a player in the IPL’s inaugural year (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. Under Fleming, CSK has won 5 IPL trophies as well as 2 Champions League T20 tournaments. The team has entered the playoffs a record 12 times, while also being part of 10 IPL finals.
CSK owner Rupa Gurunath said “Stephen Fleming has been the heartbeat of our coaching unit for almost the entire journey of this franchise. For nearly two decades, he has helped shape our identity, vision, and pursuit of excellence.”
“On behalf of everyone at the Super Kings franchise, we extend our deepest gratitude for his unwavering commitment, passion, and leadership. While our journey together on the field comes to a close, he will always remain an integral part of the team’s legacy”, she said.
CSK Managing Director KS Viswanathan said “from the earliest days of this journey, Fleming helped define not just how we played, but what we wanted to be as a franchise. He built a culture rooted in consistency, humility, and putting the team first. His ability to understand people and bring out the best from individuals across the team has been one of his greatest strengths. His influence extends far beyond the boundary, and we are proud to have shared this remarkable journey together”, he added.
Stephen Fleming said: “Eighteen years is a lifetime in sport, and I leave with nothing but gratitude. My time with CSK has been the privilege of my coaching career. I am proud of everything we have achieved.
Together, we celebrated unforgettable victories, overcame difficult moments, and built memories that will stay with me forever. CSK will always be close to my heart, and I will be cheering the team on for years to come”.