'It was about time CSK looked beyond' - R Ashwin's strong words on franchise parting ways with Stephen Fleming
Since winning their fifth title in 2023, CSK have gone three seasons without qualifying for the playoffs.
3 Min Read
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has claimed that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made the correct decision to part ways with long-term coach Stephen Fleming following a disappointing 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
After spending 18 seasons in the dugout, CSK and Fleming have gone their separate ways following an extremely successful tenure. The former New Zealand captain guided the franchise to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 crowns, becoming one of the most successful T20 sides in the world.
Despite the previous success, Ashwin feels it was the correct time for the Chennai-based franchise to move on from Fleming and look towards the future. The former spinner believes that MS Dhoni would be an ideal replacement for the Kiwi should the former captain be open to taking on the reins.
"Fleming really understood what ticked [MS] Dhoni and Dhoni understood that Fleming was a great lieutenant, and that partnership carried on for such a long time. I would say it was about time Chennai Super Kings looked beyond. If Dhoni is willing to do that [take over as coach], there is no better person that Chennai Super Kings can go after. If not, they need to find someone who will be able to operate independently and take accountability for his or her own actions," Ashwin said on Cricinfo.
Ashwin also pointed out the magnitude of the task in front of Fleming's replacement to not only be under the shadow of the New Zealander's legacy but also wrong around the respect Dhoni gets from other members of the team.
"I think there is a small aspect of uncertainty for anybody that will walk into that dressing room. Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a huge name and he's still very much a part of the discussion when you're talking about a squad that will be picked to play. And there is also going to be somebody who's going to be sitting there as an elder brother or a mentor for that squad, which has been used to him for all these years. Which makes it very delicate for somebody who will walk into the dressing room and someone who will take over the reins from Stephen Fleming, because they do not understand what Fleming has given to that franchise. So they will have to seamlessly fall into that role, which can be very, very tricky," Ashwin said.
As things stand, Dhoni is part of the CSK squad, though he did not play a single game in the 2026 season due to a calf injury. With the former India wicketkeeper turning 45 earlier this month, it is safe to assume that his playing days are numbered and could turn his attention to the vacant coaching role.
Since winning their fifth title in 2023, CSK have gone three seasons without qualifying for the playoffs. Last season, they finished eighth in the standings after ending 2025 at the foot of the standings.
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