Stephen Fleming has backed Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead Chennai Super Kings, even while admitting the Chennai skipper has struggled to keep up with IPL 2026’s run-scoring tempo. The former CSK coach believes Gaikwad’s best work—especially in terms of run volume and pace—has not yet shown up consistently this season.
Quick facts
- Fleming supports Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK captain but says his batting has been off the pace in IPL 2026.
- CSK lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Monday by five wickets with one over remaining.
- With one match left, CSK are in danger of missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season.
- Fleming said Gaikwad made it through IPL 2026, unlike IPL 2025 when an injury kept him out.
- Fleming noted MS Dhoni was present at the ground for the first time this season on match day.
Fleming said he feels Gaikwad “can do more,” pointing to the impact the opener has made in previous seasons. He stressed that Gaikwad has been a strong batter at the top of the order, but has not matched the quantity and speed of runs he has produced across his career.
CSK’s defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad arrived on Monday in Chennai, ending with the visitors chasing down the target by five wickets and with one over to spare. With only one game left, the five-time champions are now staring at a third straight year without a playoff berth.
Injuries have disrupted CSK’s campaign repeatedly, but there has also been a growing worry that Gaikwad’s batting impact does not fit the IPL’s current high-octane style—particularly during the powerplay overs. Fleming highlighted Gaikwad’s slow start in the same match, noting he managed just 9 runs off 11 balls at the close of the first six overs.
Fleming added that the situation is not as simple as judging output alone. He referenced Gaikwad’s fitness record by saying that this year the captain has stayed available throughout, whereas last season he was absent entirely due to the injury that ruled him out of IPL 2025.
“So it would be unfair to judge that,” Fleming said, while also acknowledging that CSK’s season has required ongoing work behind the scenes as the franchise continues learning about the group of players it is building around.
Captaincy transition and Dhoni’s role
Fleming described the leadership shift as a major change for the franchise. He pointed to the transition from having MS Dhoni—one of the game’s most successful captains—to a new captain, saying that it will naturally take time to fully settle into the role.
Still, Fleming believes Gaikwad is progressing. He said the skipper carries significant respect for the squad, is constantly learning, and is applying that knowledge in matches, which gives Fleming confidence about his future as CSK’s captain.
Dhoni, meanwhile, was at the ground for the first time on match day this season. Fleming said there have been no discussions with the 44-year-old about what comes next, offering only, “No, we’re working through this one,” when asked about next season.
Fleming also accepted that CSK have not performed well in IPL 2026 and clarified that any question about his own future rests with the franchise’s owners. He said it is ultimately a decision for management, even while acknowledging the amount of Dhoni’s presence this year has mattered for the team.
Fleming noted that Dhoni has been an important factor for young players and for maintaining continuity, adding that while Dhoni may not have played, he has still influenced the side. He also referenced CSK introducing new faces this season, hoping they become long-term “generation” players for the franchise.
However, Fleming stressed that results drive judgment. He concluded that the call on his position is not his to make, stating clearly that it is management’s decision rather than his.
