“What he’s doing?” Sanjay Manjrekar tears apart CSK head coach Stephen Fleming a – Sanjay Manjrekar Calls for Change: Is Stephen Fleming’s Time Up at CSK?
The End of an Era? Manjrekar Questions Fleming’s Tenure
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have long been considered the gold standard of the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, following a disastrous 2026 campaign, the cracks in the foundation have become impossible to ignore. Former India international and seasoned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has sparked a heated debate by suggesting that it is time for the franchise to part ways with head coach Stephen Fleming.
Fleming’s association with CSK is historic. Having joined the franchise in its inaugural year as a player before transitioning into the head coach role, he has been the architect behind five IPL trophies and two Champions League T20 titles. Despite this illustrious resume, Manjrekar argues that the team’s recent trajectory demands immediate change.
A Pattern of Underperformance
The numbers from the 2026 season paint a grim picture. CSK finished eighth out of ten teams, managing only six victories in 14 matches. The team’s campaign was marked by extreme inconsistency; a promising middle stretch of six wins in eight matches was bookended by two separate three-match losing streaks. More concerning is the broader trend: this marks the third consecutive year that the Chennai-based side has failed to qualify for the IPL playoffs.
Manjrekar believes this decline was not an overnight occurrence. In a recent interview, he stated that the team’s struggles were predictable rather than shocking. “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. The reasons are very obvious,” Manjrekar noted.
Tactical Questions and Leadership Transitions
Beyond the results, Manjrekar has raised pointed questions regarding Fleming’s tactical contributions. Historically, the synergy between MS Dhoni and Fleming was the engine room of CSK’s success. Manjrekar wonders if that dynamic is still viable in the current climate.
“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 explained.
Furthermore, Manjrekar suggested a radical shift in leadership. He proposed that the captaincy should be handed over to Sanju Samson, effectively shielding Ruturaj Gaikwad from the mounting pressure. “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 added.
The MS Dhoni Factor
The critique extended to how the franchise manages its legends. Manjrekar expressed concern over the internal structure, specifically criticizing the decision-making process regarding MS Dhoni’s continued involvement in an influential role. He argued that retaining veterans past their prime in positions of significant influence may be hindering the team’s evolution.
As the pressure mounts on both the coaching staff and the current leadership group, the management of the Chennai Super Kings faces a crossroads. With calls for sacking increasing by the day, the upcoming off-season will likely be the most critical in the franchise’s history. Whether the owners choose to stick with the familiarity of the Fleming era or pursue a fresh direction remains the most pressing question in Indian cricket circles today.
