Stephen Fleming cut a typically calm figure after Chennai Super Kings’ five-wicket defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chepauk on Monday night, yet the former New Zealand skipper conceded his side are unlikely to squeeze into the 2026 IPL play-offs. With only one league match left, CSK sit outside the top four and need a mathematical miracle.
“We know where we are on the table,” Fleming admitted in the post-match media chat, moments after congratulating SRH for chasing down 172 with an over in hand. The outcome leaves CSK staring at a third straight season without knockout cricket – unfamiliar territory for a club that once treated late-May fixtures as routine.
Key issue: Gaikwad’s runs, or lack of them
Much of the conversation centred on Ruturaj Gaikwad, the 29-year-old opener tasked with succeeding MS Dhoni as captain. Gaikwad’s leadership has been steady enough, but his strike-rate – especially during the powerplay, the first six overs when only two fielders patrol the rope – has come under scrutiny. He crawled to 9 off 11 balls on Monday, setting a sluggish tone.
“I think Ruturaj can do more,” Fleming said. “He’s done more in the past. He’s been a fine player at the top. He hasn’t produced the quantity of runs and the pace of runs [this season] that he’s done in his career. And that’s something that he will address.”
Gaikwad missed the entire 2025 campaign through a wrist injury, so the current edition has effectively been his first full season in charge. Fleming was keen to remind observers of that detail. “This year, at least, he was here the whole time. Last year, he wasn’t here at all,” he pointed out. “So it would be unfair to judge that. But, yeah, there’s been a lot of work done behind the scenes as we learn about this group of players.”
The Dhoni factor
The shadow of Dhoni is never far away. The 44-year-old, still hugely popular despite not playing a game this season, turned up at the ground on match-day for the first time in 2026. His presence stirred the crowd and, inevitably, the speculation. Yet Fleming said the pair had not discussed 2027 plans. Asked directly if he had spoken with Dhoni about next year, he offered only: “No, we’re working through this one.”
Transition takes time
“It’s a big transition from having one of the best captains [MS Dhoni] in the cricket scene running the franchise for such a long time to a new captain,” Fleming acknowledged. “So it’s going to take a little bit of time. But he’s doing a good job. He has a massive amount of respect for this group of players. And he’s learning all the time and putting that into play. So going forward, I have no doubt he’ll be a fine captain for this franchise.”
Fleming on his own future
With CSK floundering, attention has also turned to the head coach’s position – a role Fleming has held since 2009 with a brief enforced hiatus. Would he be in charge next April? “I’d say it’s a choice for the management,” he replied. “I know there’s been a lot of talk about it, but MS has been around a lot this year, which has been really important for the team, for a lot of young players and continuity. So he’s been a big part, he hasn’t played, but he’s still had a big influence on the team. There’s a lot of good things we’ve done. We’ve introduced some new players that will be hopefully generation players for CSK. But I know we’re judged on results, that’s fair. So, yeah, it’s the management’s call, not mine.”
Bowling plan questioned
Elsewhere, former Mumbai Indians quick Mitchell McClenaghan, speaking on television, suggested CSK’s attack had failed to adapt on a tacky Chennai pitch. He felt fewer pace-on deliveries, more cutters – the slower-ball that grips – might have dragged the target higher. “CSK’s bowlers didn’t learn from SRH,” he said, summing up the tactical gripe.
What next?
CSK travel to Kolkata for their final league fixture. Even a thumping win may not be enough; they must rely on other results and net run-rate equations. Fleming’s language – measured, realistic – implies the franchise is already looking further ahead, towards how Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana, and a handful of academy graduates can shape the next cycle.
There was no arm-waving, no melodrama – just a coach stressing patience in a tournament that rarely allows it.
