Was Stephen Fleming really the brains behind Chennai Super Kings success? Former India captain Kris Srikkanth believes the answer is clear.
Stephen Fleming’s 18 year association with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) officially came to an end on Monday, July 13, 2026. Following his departure, Srikkanth said CSK’s success was built around MS Dhoni.
While praising Fleming’s long stint as head coach, Srikkanth claimed the former New Zealand captain mainly managed the dressing room, while Dhoni took the important cricketing decisions, including tactics and the playing XI.
Srikkanth also pointed to CSK’s IPL 2018 title winning comeback after the franchise returned from suspension. According to him, that triumph was possible because of Dhoni’s leadership, not Fleming’s coaching.
The former India opener also questioned CSK’s decline over the last three seasons. After being one of the IPL’s most consistent teams, CSK failed to reach the playoffs from 2024 to 2026.
Srikkanth blamed poor auction decisions and team combinations, saying the franchise lost its balance in recent years.
He further claimed Fleming’s success has always been linked to Dhoni, adding that the coach has struggled without the legendary wicketkeeper.
Despite, Srikkanth acknowledged Fleming’s achievements with CSK and said the decision to part ways was the right one after a disappointing run.
With Fleming also leaving Texas Super Kings and Joburg Super Kings, CSK now enter a new chapter. But Srikkanth’s comments have started a bigger debate was Dhoni always the real hero behind CSK’s success?
