IPL 2026: “Fleming's success hinges completely on Dhoni”- S Ramesh questions CSK coach’s mindset in modern T20 game

CSK has lost their first three games in the IPL 2026.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has come under severe criticism from ex-
India opener S. Ramesh. Ramesh stated that Fleming’s success for CSK was more MS Dhoni’s doing than the New Zealander’s.

CSK, five-time IPL champions, are struggling in the IPL 2026, having lost their first three games and currently languishing at the bottom of the table.

The poor run has brought the club under criticism, and this time the focus has gone beyond the individuals. Head coach Stephen Fleming, who has been with the organization since 2009, is now facing questions as CSK seeks answers.

Fleming has had a hugely successful tenure as head coach of the Chennai Super Kings since taking over in 2009, building a powerful alliance with former captain MS Dhoni. The coach-captain duo has been essential to CSK's supremacy, winning all five IPL titles between 2010 and 2023.

Sadagoppan Ramesh, a former Indian opener, questioned the larger picture of CSK's setup. He asserted that MS Dhoni's leadership of the team has been a major factor in Fleming's success and that, despite CSK's terrible start to 2026, the new combo with Ruturaj Gaikwad doesn't seem to be working.

“Fleming has never had any success anywhere without Dhoni captaining the side. It's clear that Fleming's success hinges completely on Dhoni. With the way the game is evolving, just like how a player's fit is analyzed, the coach must be given the same treatment. Stephen Fleming doesn't seem to have the mindset to adapt to today's aggressive game. He seems to be five steps behind,” said Ramesh on his Instagram.

Ramesh’s claim has some weight, as CSK, under Stephen Fleming and Ruturaj Gaikwad, has only 8 wins in 22 games, and since he took over the captaincy in IPL 2024, CSK finished 5th and 10th in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, respectively.

Apart from his insipid captaincy, Gaikwad has also struggled with the bat, with just 41 runs across 3 matches in 2026. Ramesh urged the Maharashtra batter to lead from the front and step up with the bat. He stated that the struggling young CSK batting lineup needs his guidance.

“You don't need experience to smash fours and sixes. But you need experience to set boundaries, which CSK's bowling lacks. Yet, to help himself as captain, Ruturaj must start scoring runs. By doing that and singlehandedly winning CSK matches, things can start to turn around for him as captain,” added Ramesh.

CSK will next host Delhi Capitals in Chennai on April 11 to get their IPL 2026 on track.