Stephen Fleming has stepped down as head coach of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), drawing curtains on an 18-year journey with the franchise. Under his watch, CSK won five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 titles. However, Fleming had been under enormous pressure over the past few years, with CSK stuttering to qualify for the playoffs in the past three seasons.

According to the franchise, both sides decided to part ways mutually following a series of discussions. The decision also follows Texas Super Kings' harrowing performance in Major League Cricket, where the side finished at the bottom. Notably, Fleming joined the franchise as head coach back in 2009 and had been at the helm since then, guiding the side to the playoffs on 12 occasions and to the final on 10 occasions. 

Meanwhile, before taking over as head coach, Fleming represented CSK as a player at the inaugural edition of the tournament back in 2008. 

"Eighteen years is a lifetime in sport, and I leave with nothing but gratitude. My time with Chennai Super Kings has been the privilege of my coaching career. I am proud of everything we have achieved. Together, we celebrated unforgettable victories, overcame difficult moments, and built memories that will stay with me forever," Fleming said in a release by the franchise. 

"CSK will always be close to my heart, and I will be cheering the team on for years to come," he said. 

CSK won their last IPL title back in 2023 after they defeated Gujarat Titans. However, since then it has been a tumultuous period for the side. 

"From the earliest days of this journey, Fleming helped define not just how we played, but what we wanted to be as a franchise. He built a culture rooted in consistency, humility, and putting the team first. His ability to understand people and bring out the best from individuals across the team has been one of his greatest strengths.

"His influence extends far beyond the boundary, and we are proud to have shared this remarkable journey together," CSK Managing Director Kasi Viswanathan said.