“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 Failure

A Legacy Under Scrutiny

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful franchises in the history of the Indian Premier League, find themselves at a critical crossroads. Following a dismal performance in the 2026 season, where they finished eighth out of ten teams, questions regarding the team’s leadership structure have reached a fever pitch. Former India batter and seasoned analyst Sanjay Manjrekar has become the latest voice to demand significant changes, specifically pointing the finger at head coach Stephen Fleming.

The End of an Era?

Stephen Fleming has been a cornerstone of the CSK organization since its inception. Having served as a player in the inaugural year before transitioning into the role of head coach, he has been the architect behind all five of the franchise’s IPL titles and their two Champions League T20 trophies. However, Manjrekar believes that past achievements should not shield a coach from accountability when the current results fail to meet the lofty standards set by the franchise.

CSK’s 2026 campaign was defined by inconsistency. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side managed only six wins across 14 matches. The team’s season was characterized by a chaotic start and a poor finish, bookended by two separate three-match losing streaks. This marks the third consecutive year that the Chennai-based franchise has failed to qualify for the IPL playoffs, signaling a concerning downward trend for a team historically known for its dominance.

Manjrekar’s Critique: Time for Change

Speaking in a recent interview, Manjrekar emphasized that the franchise’s recent struggles are not a surprise to those following the team closely. He argued that the current underperformance is the result of stagnation within the leadership group. According to Manjrekar, the time for sentimentality has passed, and the franchise needs to embrace a fresh perspective to return to its winning ways.

“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. It’s not like people are shocked that CSK have become this team or have not made it to the playoffs. It is very easy to see what has changed,” Manjrekar stated.

Tactical Questions and Leadership Shifts

Beyond the general performance, Manjrekar questioned the efficacy of Stephen Fleming’s tactical contributions. He noted that while Fleming was an invaluable asset during the MS Dhoni era—when the legendary wicketkeeper-batter held significant influence over on-field decisions—the current dynamic seems to be lacking direction.

In a bold suggestion, Manjrekar proposed that the team look toward external leadership. He recommended that the franchise consider bringing in Sanju Samson to take over the captaincy duties from Ruturaj Gaikwad. The rationale behind this suggestion is to alleviate the pressure on Gaikwad, allowing him to focus solely on his batting and reclaim the form that made him one of the league’s most exciting young prospects.

Addressing the Dhoni Factor

The conversation also touched upon the role of MS Dhoni within the franchise. Manjrekar expressed concerns regarding how the Super Kings have managed their former skipper. He suggested that relying heavily on a player who is clearly past his prime, while assigning him significant influence within the franchise, may be hindering the team’s ability to transition into a new, more competitive era.

As calls for the sacking of both Fleming and Gaikwad intensify, the management of the Chennai Super Kings faces mounting pressure to deliver a comprehensive plan for the future. Whether the franchise chooses to stick with their long-time head coach or heed the advice of critics like Manjrekar remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the current status quo is no longer sustainable for a team with the pedigree and expectations of the Chennai Super Kings.