Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is going through a tough phase in the ongoing IPL 2026 and there is a lot of pressure on the players, captain and coaches. Amidst the huge reaction and noise, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has made a bold comment on the team’s struggles.
As Chennai Super Kings continue to search for their first win in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, Stephen Fleming’s coaching has come under heavy scrutiny. However, the New Zealander has shifted his focus entirely to the players when it comes to success and failure.
Players win matches: Stephen Fleming breaks silence amid massive backlash
Fleming has been a part of Chennai Super Kings since the early days of the IPL and along with MS Dhoni, he has formed one of the most successful teams in IPL history. Under his leadership, CSK has won five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies.
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But for the last few seasons, CSK failed to make it to the IPL playoffs and now in this season they have not registered a single win yet. So, it’s clear the New Zealander is facing the heat, and he was even called out for being an old-school coach.
In fact, Fleming was asked whether he felt that he did not get the credit or praise for making CSK the joint most successful franchise in the IPL with Mumbai Indians (MI), because now when the team is going through a bad phase, he is facing a lot of criticism.
Coaches are evaluated by players: Stephen Fleming
However, the CSK coach made it clear that success in the game is always about the players and not just the coaches. Despite his success as a coach, the former New Zealand captain believes the real credit goes to the players who perform on the field.
Stephen Fleming, as quoted by Cricbuzz, said in the pre-match press conference: “It really entirely depends on the players. For me, it gives us another year of coaching. And it’s always the case that the players do. Off the field coaching is really important, but on-field performance wins titles. And, yes, we play a role in the fitness of the players, the performance of the players and the mental state of the players, but ultimately coaches are judged on the players.”
CSK coach feels ‘incredibly lucky’ to be able to work with MS Dhoni
Fleming also credited the great Dhoni for being a big part of CSK’s success over the years. He further added, “I’ve worked with one of the greatest captains of all time, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to do so as a coach. So, look, it’s not in vain for me, and I’m proud of the results, but it’s not something I crave or aspire to receive.”
Despite recent poor results, Fleming refused to accept that his coaching methods were outdated. The coach has made it clear that he is deeply involved with modern T20 cricket, working with the CSK franchise in the MLC and SA20 and constantly studying players and strategies from around the world.
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Transition period is tough for CS, but Stephen Fleming is confident of a big comeback
Stephen Fleming also told that Chennai Super Kings is currently going through a phase of change, with many new players coming into the team. Because of this, the team is still trying to settle down and find the right combination, while other teams have already settled down.
He admitted that the criticism is justified as they are not winning games, but at the same time believes that CSK are not far away from turning things around. He highlighted that the team has already shown signs of improvement, especially in the batting department, but believes that their bowling remains a point of concern.
Stephen Fleming said, “Criticism is fair when you don’t perform well. That’s part of the situation. Look, I’ve been coaching all year and in two other competitions, and I’ve been auctioning for a lot of players. So, it’s not like I just switch off and then come to the IPL without thinking about where the game is going. I know that very well, and the criticism is fair. So, we just have to work hard and find a way to move forward. But I I feel like it. Join the game.”