‘We’re judged on results’: Stephen Fleming breaks silence on his CSK future after another setback
Chennai Super Kings' playoff hopes are slim after a home defeat, casting a shadow over head coach Stephen Fleming's future. Fleming acknowledged his tenure rests with CSK management, while backing captain Ruturaj Gaikwad's transition. Injuries and a squad overhaul presented challenges, though MS Dhoni's influence remains significant despite not playing.
NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings’ hopes of reaching the IPL 2026 playoffs are hanging by the thinnest of threads, and after another painful defeat at home, even the future of long-time coach Stephen Fleming has come under scrutiny. CSK’s five-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chepauk on Monday left them needing a win against Gujarat Titans in their final league game, while also relying on several other results to go their way. As pressure mounted, Fleming admitted his own future with the franchise would be decided by management.
“There’s a lot of good things we’ve done. We’ve introduced some new players that will be hopefully generation players for CSK, but I know we’re judged on results. So, that’s a management call.
Not mine,” Fleming said after the defeat. Gaikwad still learning the ropes Fleming stood firmly behind captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, saying the 29-year-old remains in a transition phase after taking over from MS Dhoni. “It’s a big transition from having one of the best captains at the cricket scene running the franchise for such a long time to a new captain,” Fleming said.
“He’s doing a good job. He has massive respect in this group and he’s learning all the time. I’ve no doubt he’ll be a fine captain for this franchise.