“What he’s doing?” Sanjay Manjrekar tears apart CSK head coach Stephen Fleming a – Sanjay Manjrekar Criticizes Stephen Fleming Amid CSK’s IPL 2026 Struggle
A Legacy Under Scrutiny: The CSK Crisis
The Chennai Super Kings, long regarded as the gold standard of the Indian Premier League, find themselves at a critical crossroads. Following a dismal finish in the 2026 season—where the team ended in eighth place after securing only six wins from 14 matches—the franchise is facing intense scrutiny. Among the most vocal critics is former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar, who believes the time has come for the “Yellow Army” to part ways with long-standing head coach Stephen Fleming.
The Decline of a Powerhouse
Stephen Fleming’s association with CSK is historic. Having joined the franchise during its inception as a player before transitioning into the coaching role, Fleming has been the architect behind five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies. However, Manjrekar argues that history should not shield a coach from the realities of current underperformance.
The 2026 campaign was a microcosm of the team’s broader struggles. Under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership, the team displayed an alarming lack of consistency. While there was a brief, promising mid-season surge where the team won six out of eight matches, this was bookended by two separate three-match losing streaks. This inconsistency has resulted in a recurring nightmare for the fans: CSK has now failed to qualify for the IPL playoffs for three consecutive years.
Is Change Necessary?
Speaking to Sportstar, Manjrekar did not mince his words regarding the necessity of a shake-up. “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,” Manjrekar stated. He emphasized that unlike teams that endure a single off-year, CSK’s decline has been a systemic, multi-year issue that has surprised no one.
Manjrekar raised pointed questions regarding Fleming’s current tactical contributions. He noted that while Fleming was an invaluable asset during the peak years of MS Dhoni’s captaincy—where much of the tactical domain resided with the legendary wicket-keeper—the current dynamics leave much to be desired. “I don’t know how much Stephen Fleming is contributing as coach, because with Dhoni, everything was in his domain… It is time to shake up a few things,” he added.
Leadership and Tactical Shifts
Beyond the coaching staff, the conversation has turned toward the team’s leadership structure. Manjrekar proposed a bold solution: appointing Sanju Samson as the captain. The logic behind this suggestion is to alleviate the pressure on Ruturaj Gaikwad, allowing him to return to his natural, free-flowing game as a batter.
Furthermore, the critique extended to the franchise’s handling of MS Dhoni. Manjrekar expressed concerns that the continued reliance on Dhoni in significant roles, despite the veteran being well past his prime, may be hindering the team’s evolution. According to Manjrekar, the franchise needs to stop looking backward and start building a new identity.
The Path Forward
As the pressure mounts on both the management and the captain, the Chennai Super Kings face a difficult off-season. The franchise is known for its loyalty, but in the fast-paced world of the IPL, loyalty can often become a barrier to progress. Whether the management takes heed of Manjrekar’s advice or remains committed to the current leadership group remains to be seen. One thing is certain: for a team accustomed to lifting trophies, a third consecutive year without playoff contention is an unsustainable reality that demands immediate intervention.
