“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 Struggle
A Legacy Under Scrutiny
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) find themselves at a critical crossroads following a dismal 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. With the franchise finishing eighth out of ten teams, winning only six of their 14 matches, the pressure is mounting on the leadership hierarchy. At the center of this criticism is long-time head coach Stephen Fleming, whose tenure is now being openly challenged by experts and fans alike.
Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has emerged as one of the most vocal critics, suggesting that the time has come for the franchise to move on from the former New Zealand captain. Despite Fleming’s legendary status—having been with the franchise since its inception, first as a player and then as the architect behind their five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies—Manjrekar believes the current stagnation necessitates change.
A Pattern of Underperformance
The 2026 season was characterized by inconsistency. While the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led squad showed flashes of brilliance with a promising mid-season stretch of six wins in eight matches, these were bracketed by two separate three-match losing streaks. This inability to maintain momentum has become a recurring theme, as the franchise has now failed to qualify for the IPL playoffs for three consecutive years.
Addressing the situation, Manjrekar noted that the current decline is hardly a shock to those following the team closely. ‘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. It’s not like the Titans, where they have had one bad year; CSK have been quiet for some years now,’ Manjrekar stated in an interview.
Tactical Questions and Leadership Changes
Beyond the results, Manjrekar cast doubt on the tactical efficiency of the current setup. He specifically questioned the value-add of Fleming in the post-Dhoni era, suggesting that the coach’s role was historically tied closely to the influence of MS Dhoni. ‘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,’ he added.
Manjrekar also proposed a radical shift in leadership. He suggested that the captaincy burden may be affecting Ruturaj Gaikwad’s batting form. According to the former commentator, bringing in someone like Sanju Samson could provide the necessary tactical refresh, allowing Gaikwad to return to his natural, uninhibited style of play. ‘I think the leadership can easily go to Sanju Samson, who’s done it before. Just set Ruturaj Gaikwad free and make him the batter that he used to be,’ he explained.
The Dhoni Factor
The discourse also touched upon the handling of MS Dhoni within the team structure. Manjrekar expressed concerns regarding the franchise’s reliance on the former captain, suggesting that assigning him an influential role despite being past his peak playing years has not served the team’s long-term interests. This sentiment reflects a growing divide among stakeholders regarding whether the franchise is prioritizing its legacy stars over the necessary evolution of the squad.
As the offseason begins, the Chennai Super Kings management faces a defining moment. With calls for the sacking of key personnel growing louder, the decision-makers will need to determine whether the ‘Fleming era’ has truly reached its natural conclusion or if a different tactical approach can revive the fortunes of the yellow brigade. Regardless of the path chosen, one thing is clear: the status quo is no longer an option for a team accustomed to the highest standards of success.
