“What he’s doing?” Sanjay Manjrekar tears apart CSK head coach Stephen Fleming a – Sanjay Manjrekar Slams CSK Coach Stephen Fleming After Poor IPL 2026 Campaign

Manjrekar Calls for CSK Revamp After Third Straight Playoff Exit

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has delivered a scathing assessment of the Chennai Super Kings’ leadership structure, urging the franchise to make bold changes after yet another underwhelming IPL season. With CSK finishing eighth in IPL 2026, Manjrekar has publicly questioned the effectiveness of head coach Stephen Fleming and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, suggesting it may be time for both to step away.

Fleming’s Long Tenure Under Scrutiny

Fleming has been a cornerstone of the CSK setup since the franchise’s inception, first as a player and then as head coach—a role in which he oversaw all five of the team’s IPL triumphs and two Champions League T20 victories. However, recent struggles have sparked debate over whether his methods still suit modern T20 cricket.

The 2026 season saw the Gaikwad-led side win just 6 of their 14 matches. A brief surge of 6 wins in 8 games was flanked by two streaks of three consecutive losses, highlighting inconsistency in both performance and strategy. This marked the third year in a row that CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs—a troubling trend under Gaikwad’s captaincy.

“Time for a Change,” Says Manjrekar

In an interview with Sportstar, Manjrekar emphasized that CSK’s decline was not sudden or surprising, but the result of prolonged stagnation.

“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’s critique centered on Fleming’s tactical influence, particularly in comparison to the Dhoni era when the former skipper’s on-field command was central to the team’s success. With MS Dhoni now retired from active duty, Manjrekar questioned whether Fleming has stepped up to fill the strategic void.

Leadership Shift on the Cards?

Not stopping at coaching, Manjrekar also challenged Gaikwad’s leadership, proposing that Sanju Samson could be a more dynamic option as captain.

“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,” Manjrekar suggested, hinting that captaincy may be affecting Gaikwad’s form and focus.

Dhoni’s Role Also Questioned

Manjrekar also expressed concern over how the franchise has managed MS Dhoni’s post-playing role. While acknowledging Dhoni’s legacy, he argued that giving him a prominent position despite being past his prime may be hindering a clean transition.

“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 added.

What’s Next for CSK?

The calls for change are growing louder. While Fleming’s legacy is undeniable, sustained underperformance can no longer be ignored. With the next auction on the horizon, the franchise faces tough decisions on leadership, coaching, and team composition.

For a team built on consistency and calm under pressure, three years of decline have raised uncomfortable questions. Whether CSK responds with evolution or sticks to legacy, the cricketing world will be watching closely.