NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings’ pursuit of a spot in the IPL 2026 playoffs is now balancing on a knife-edge after yet another home loss, with even the standing of veteran coach Stephen Fleming becoming a topic of discussion. CSK’s defeat—by five wickets to Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chepauk on Monday—has left the franchise needing a win against Gujarat Titans in their last league match, while also counting on other results to fall in their favour.
With the pressure growing, Fleming acknowledged that his role with the team is ultimately under the control of the management, despite his belief in the direction of the side’s rebuilding efforts.
“There’s a lot of good things we’ve done. We’ve brought in some new players who we hope will be the next generation for CSK, but I understand we’re judged on results. That’s a management decision, not mine,” Fleming said after the loss.
Fleming backs Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain
Fleming also expressed full confidence in skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, insisting the 29-year-old is still adjusting after stepping in from MS Dhoni. In Fleming’s view, the change in leadership is a major shift for a franchise that has been shaped by Dhoni’s long tenure.
“It’s a significant transition—from having one of the best captains in the game running the franchise for such a long time to a new captain. He’s doing a good job. He has immense respect within this group and he’s learning continuously. I have no doubt he’ll be a fine captain for this franchise,” Fleming said.
Gaikwad’s form reflects CSK’s wider inconsistency
However, Gaikwad’s individual numbers have tracked the team’s broader struggles this season. He has managed only two fifties across 13 matches, with a batting average below 30, as CSK have repeatedly failed to seize key moments and build momentum when it mattered most.
Rebuild efforts, injuries and Dhoni’s influence
Fleming admitted that CSK began the campaign with rivals ahead, following a major reshaping of the squad. The franchise moved on from Matheesha Pathirana, Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway, while also handing opportunities to younger players such as Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel. The arrival of Sanju Samson was part of the reshuffle, and it came after Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran were released.
“It’s been a challenge. We started poorly and we haven’t been accurate enough. I was genuinely proud of the way we fought back to get back into the mix, but injuries to key players interrupted our momentum,” Fleming said.
He also rejected the idea that MS Dhoni’s absence from the playing XI has meant the former captain is disconnected from the dressing room. Fleming pointed out that Dhoni has still been present around the team and has continued to influence proceedings despite not featuring in matches.
“MS has been around a lot this year, which has been really important. He hasn’t played, but he’s still had a big influence on the team,” Fleming added.
