Stephen Fleming ends 18-year association with CSK after IPL struggles

CHENNAI : Alex Ferguson was the Manchester United manager for 26 years while Arsene Wenger did 22 with Arsenal. Stephen Fleming couldn’t beat their records, but 18 years is still a very long time in today’s sport. The former New Zealand skipper, who joined CSK as a player in 2008 and took over the coaching role a year later, finally brought an end to his tenure after three consecutive poor seasons in which the team couldn’t make the IPL play-offs. The fact that CSK’s other franchises, in Jo’Burg and Texas, haven’t done well in SA20 and MLC didn’t help Fleming’s cause either.

The entire top-brass of the franchise is currently in the USA for MLC, where the team finished last. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told TOI that “it was a decision that was taken after having a frank conversation with Fleming”.

“We do not want to go into the details of the conversation because that is between us. But we felt it was a good time to move forward,” Viswanathan said, adding that no decision has been made on the new coach. “That will take a couple of months’ time,” the CSK boss added, trying to play down Hemang Badani’s name, which is making the rounds.

Fleming, on his part, said in a statement that it was a privilege to coach CSK. “Eighteen years is a lifetime in sport and I leave with nothing but gratitude. My time with CSK has been the privilege of my coaching career. I’m proud of everything we’ve achieved. Together, we celebrated unforgettable victories, overcame difficult moments and built memories that will stay with me forever. CSK will always be close to my heart and I’ll be cheering the team on for years to come.”