Former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh has taken a sharp swipe at Chennai Super Kings’ current setup, arguing that head coach Stephen Fleming’s achievements have been inseparable from MS Dhoni’s captaincy. Ramesh believes CSK’s recent slump is linked to a failure to keep pace with the modern, more aggressive style of T20 cricket—and he also questioned Ruturaj Gaikwad’s form after a tough start as skipper in IPL 2026.
Fleming’s CSK record—Ramesh credits Dhoni
Ramesh said Fleming’s success with CSK has depended on the partnership with Dhoni, claiming the coach has not been able to replicate the same impact without Dhoni leading the side. Fleming was appointed head coach in 2009, and Ramesh pointed out that CSK’s five IPL title wins have all come during Dhoni’s captaincy reign.
- Stephen Fleming was named head coach of CSK in 2009.
- Ramesh said CSK’s five IPL titles arrived under MS Dhoni’s captaincy.
- He argued Fleming’s “success” is tied completely to Dhoni rather than being standalone.
CSK’s early IPL 2026 slide and the “five steps behind” claim
Ramesh further claimed CSK have struggled since Gaikwad took over the captaincy in 2024. In his view, that transition has exposed gaps in how the team is responding to the demands of today’s T20 game. Ramesh noted that CSK have lost their opening three matches of IPL 2026 and said Fleming appears to be “five steps behind” the evolution of cricket.
In an Instagram post, Ramesh argued that Fleming lacks the mindset to adjust to the more aggressive approach that defines the current era. He also suggested that the coaching setup should be evaluated and refreshed in a similar way that players are assessed for fitness and suitability to modern requirements.
- Ramesh said CSK have struggled since Ruturaj Gaikwad became captain in 2024.
- He highlighted CSK’s poor start in IPL 2026, with defeats in their first three matches.
- Ramesh claimed Fleming looks “five steps behind” the modern game.
- He suggested the coach must adapt just as players are examined for readiness and fitness.
Gaikwad’s form questioned—confidence and leadership development
Ramesh also took aim at Gaikwad’s batting output, saying the opener’s run has been underwhelming so far. He cited that Gaikwad has made only 41 runs across three matches in IPL 2026, and insisted that meaningful innings are crucial to building both confidence and authority as a leader.
While Ramesh acknowledged that hitting fours and sixes does not require long experience, he stressed that experience still matters when it comes to stopping boundaries—an area he implied CSK’s bowling has struggled with. He urged Gaikwad to start scoring and described the potential for him to turn things around by producing match-winning contributions “single-handedly.”
- Ramesh said Gaikwad’s form has been disappointing in IPL 2026.
- He pointed out that the opener has scored 41 runs in three matches so far.
- He argued that crucial knocks can raise Gaikwad’s confidence and support his growth as captain.
- Ramesh said CSK’s bowling lacks the ability to rein in batters and stop boundaries.
- He said Gaikwad must begin scoring runs to help himself as captain and potentially swing the team’s fortunes.
Next fixture: CSK vs Delhi Capitals
CSK will face Delhi Capitals in their next IPL 2026 match this Saturday, following the early-season setbacks that have drawn criticism from Ramesh.
