MS Dhoni or Hemang Badani? Who Will be CSK's New Coach As Stephen Fleming Resigns?

In a seismic shift for the five-time Indian Premier League champions, Stephen Fleming has officially stepped down as the head coach of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), ending an illustrious 18-year association with the franchise. The decision, announced today, July 13, 2026, comes on the heels of a challenging IPL 2026 campaign where the Super Kings finished a dismal eighth, failing to qualify for the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Stephen Fleming Steps Down as CSK Head Coach After 18-Year Association.

The departure of the former New Zealand captain marks a pivotal moment for CSK, who are now actively seeking new leadership for their coaching setup. Fleming, 53, had been an integral part of the Yellow Army since its inception, first as a player in 2008 and then as head coach from 2009. Under his guidance, CSK secured five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies, establishing themselves as one of the most successful franchises in T20 cricket. However, the team's recent performance has seen a dip, finishing 10th in IPL 2025 and 8th in IPL 2026.

Hemang Badani Emerges as Key Contender

Among the names reportedly being considered, former India batter Hemang Badani has emerged as a prominent candidate to take over the top coaching role. The 50-year-old, currently the head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC) for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, brings recent IPL coaching experience to the table. Under Badani's leadership, DC reportedly finished fifth in IPL 2025 and sixth in IPL 2026, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot in his first season.

Badani is no stranger to the Indian cricket circuit, having played 40 ODIs for India. He has also coached Chepauk Super Gillies to four titles in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) since 2016. Notably, Badani has previously been outspoken regarding Fleming's coaching success, attributing much of it to MS Dhoni's leadership. In April 2026, he questioned Fleming's effectiveness outside of CSK, stating, “CSK are winning because of Dhoni. Dhoni is the kingpin... if someone says Fleming is a good coach, I won't agree to it.”

MS Dhoni's Potential Future

The question of MS Dhoni's future role with the franchise continues to loom large. The legendary captain, who turned 45 on July 7, 2026, did not feature in a single game during the IPL 2026 season due to persistent calf and thumb injuries. Despite his absence from the playing XI, his influence within the squad remains immense.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has publicly stated that the franchise is highly receptive to Dhoni transitioning into a head coach or mentor role once he officially retires from playing. “We would always like to have him as a permanent fixture at CSK in whatever capacity, be it as a player, coach or mentor. Whatever it is, it depends on what he decides,” Viswanathan said in May 2026. This sentiment, however, is coupled with reports suggesting that Dhoni's powerful presence might have deterred other potential coaching candidates in the past.

CSK's Recent IPL Performance

The Super Kings' management is currently in Dallas, reviewing their cricket operations and plotting the course ahead, with a major decision on the new coaching staff expected soon. Fleming's departure underscores the franchise's intent to revitalize its approach after a period of underperformance.

The search for Stephen Fleming's successor signifies a new chapter for Chennai Super Kings, as the franchise looks to regain its dominant form and usher in a fresh era of success under new leadership, potentially with a familiar face in a new role.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 13, 2026 12:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).