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As the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have parted ways with their long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL 2027), multiple other personnel from the exciting coaching set-up are likely to exit as well. Bowling coach Eric Simons could be the next after Fleming to have a golden handshake with the franchise.
For the last couple of seasons, the franchise has been going through a transition phase where Stephen Fleming was one of the main pieces of the setup, having served the franchise for about a couple of decades. According to the franchise, the decision to remove the former New Zealand international came through a mutual agreement.
Why did the CSK suddenly sack Stephen Fleming?
After Fleming’s departure, the franchise is expected to undertake multiple other key decisions to shape the team in the ongoing transitional phase.
According to a Cricbuzz report published on July 13, last month, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan had informed that Fleming would remain with them for at least another year. If the reports are to be believed, then only a few weeks after the CEO’s assurance, CSK terminated their coach.
It is believed that Texas Super Kings’ poor form in this season’s Major League Cricket (MLC), seven defeats in 10 matches, could have become the moment of truth for the former cricketer. In IPL 2026, Super Kings finished in the bottom half of the points table, and on the other side, in MLC 2026, they are the bottommost team in the 6-team league.
The bowling and batting coaches also could take an exit after Stephen Fleming's departure
As per the media report, as the franchise is considering some reformations in its core group, bowling coach Eric Simons also could leave the franchise, with doubts over batting coach Mike Hussey’s future with the Yellow brigade.
“It will not come as a surprise if bowling coach Eric Simons' name is next. There is no information yet on batting coach Mike Hussey, but the Super Kings appear headed for a major shake-up,” Cricbuzz reported.
A CSK source close to the development has informed that the franchise had shown enough time and trust in Stephen Fleming for years. In return, the franchise received disappointment in the recent past. From the points table of the past few seasons, it was clear that CSK was not performing well under the experienced coach, who joined Chennai Super Kings as a player in the inaugural season of the IPL.
“He should voluntarily step down. He has earned enough with the franchise - much more than he could have earned as a New Zealand player or in any other role within the game,” the source told the cricket news website.
Who will be CSK's next head coach?
It was also understood that Fleming was enjoying the backing of MS Dhoni, who remains a legend of the franchise. Since Dhoni gradually took himself out of the team, the Stephen Fleming-led team’s performance went down.
The franchise is yet to decide who will come in place of Fleming. There are certain names like Hemang Badani and Rahul Dravid in speculation, but the franchise is yet to finalize their next appointment.
