Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach Stephen Fleming talked about the team’s performance in the IPL 2026 after the loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 18 in Chennai and whether the absence of MS Dhoni affected the team or not.
Dhoni's non-playing role was vigorously defended by Stephen Fleming. Fleming emphasized that the former captain's off-field influence was crucial for a team in transition, despite persistent rumors and fan disappointment over the 44-year-old missing his last possible home game.
"MS has been around a lot this year, which has been really important for the team, for a lot of the young players, and for continuity. So, he’s been a big part of it. He hasn’t played, but he’s still had a big influence on the team,” Fleming said in the post-match press conference.
Fleming acknowledged that there is no hiding place in professional sports in response to the inevitable criticism about Dhoni's squad spot without playing.
"There are a lot of good things we’ve done. We’ve introduced some new players who will hopefully be generational players for CSK. But I know we’re judged on results, and that’s fair. So, yep, that’s a management call, not mine,” he said.
When pressed on whether Dhoni was ever in contention to play this season, Fleming clarified: "No, he was working through this one. There’s been a lot of change, so this year, at least, he was here the whole time. Last year, he wasn’t here at all, so it would be unfair to judge that."
Meanwhile, ex-CSK batter Suresh Raina has backed MS Dhoni to return in CSK colors in IPL 2027 while revealing a talk with him on Monday night.
"I told him you have given IPL 2026 a missed call. It won’t count. You have to come back next year." He said, 'Nahi yaar, body thoda waisa hai' (No man, the body is a bit like that). I said we do not bbelieveanything. You have to play next year," Raina said.
"It’s his personal call. I think he is positive. The team is also gelling well again. Fans also want him to come. He said, 'Let me see.' If he says, "Let me see," there’s a chance he will work hard and play again,” he added.
CSK, who failed to protect 180 runs against SRH, is locked in sixth place with 12 points from 13 matches. To keep their mathematical prospects of making the playoffs alive, they will need other results to go their way, including a win over the Gujarat Titans on Thursday, May 21, in Ahmedabad.
