“What he’s doing?” Sanjay Manjrekar tears apart CSK head coach Stephen Fleming a – Sanjay Manjrekar Calls for Stephen Fleming’s Exit After CSK’s IPL 2026 Failure
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A Legacy Under Scrutiny
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful franchises in Indian Premier League history, find themselves at a critical crossroads. Following a dismal campaign in the 2026 edition of the tournament, where the team finished eighth out of ten sides, the tenure of long-time head coach Stephen Fleming is being brought into question. Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has become the latest voice to suggest that it is time for the franchise to move in a new direction.
The Decline of a Powerhouse
Stephen Fleming has been a cornerstone of the Chennai Super Kings’ identity since the league’s inception. He transitioned from a player in the inaugural season to the head coach, a role he has held for the vast majority of the franchise’s existence. Under his stewardship, CSK secured five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies, cementing his status as one of the most successful coaches in the competition’s history.
However, the narrative has shifted significantly in recent years. In the 2026 IPL season, the team managed to win only six of their 14 matches. The campaign was defined by inconsistency; a promising mid-season stretch, where the team won six out of eight matches, was effectively neutralized by two separate three-match losing streaks. This result marks the third consecutive year that the Chennai Super Kings have failed to qualify for the playoffs.
The Call for Change
Speaking in a recent interview, Sanjay Manjrekar emphasized that the team’s current state is not a sudden anomaly, but rather the culmination of prolonged underperformance. Manjrekar argued that the organization needs to be proactive in its restructuring.
“There are certain things that you have to do as the right thing. It’s time that they did this. One of the things you have to do is change things around,” Manjrekar stated. He pointed out that unlike other teams who might suffer a single bad season, CSK has been trending downward for several years, and the issues plaguing the squad are becoming increasingly evident to observers.
Tactical Concerns and Leadership Proposals
Beyond the general performance of the team, Manjrekar raised specific concerns regarding the efficiency of the coaching staff. He questioned the tangible contributions of Fleming, noting that while Fleming possesses immense cricketing knowledge, the dynamic within the team may have shifted over time.
“I don’t know how much Stephen Fleming is contributing as coach, because with Dhoni, everything was in his domain, and Fleming was a great guy to have around. He is a guy who knows his cricket; he is not just there for cosmetic reasons. But it is time to shake up a few things,” Manjrekar added.
In addition to the coaching situation, Manjrekar turned his attention to the captaincy. He suggested that the burden of leadership might be hindering Ruturaj Gaikwad’s natural game. Manjrekar proposed that Sanju Samson be brought in to take over the captaincy, allowing Gaikwad to focus entirely on his role as an opening batter. According to Manjrekar, freeing Gaikwad from the pressures of leadership could help him return to the explosive form he has displayed in previous years.
The Dhoni Factor
The critique also touched upon the role of MS Dhoni within the franchise. Manjrekar expressed reservations about the way the organization has handled their former legendary skipper, suggesting that giving Dhoni a prominent, influential role despite being past his playing prime has not necessarily benefited the team’s long-term tactical evolution.
As the calls for a major overhaul grow louder, the Chennai Super Kings management faces a defining off-season. Whether they choose to stick with the familiar faces that brought them immense glory in the past or heed the advice of critics like Manjrekar to initiate a complete rebuild, the decisions made in the coming months will be pivotal for the future of the franchise.
