Former Chennai Super Kings batter Subramaniam Badrinath has backed the franchise’s decision to part ways with long-serving Head Coach Stephen Fleming, arguing that the team’s changing composition demands a more technically focused coaching approach as it looks to rebuild after three difficult IPL seasons.
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Badrinath said: “With the Indian youngsters coming through the ranks, a coach with great technical and tactical acumen in T20s is needed. Because you have to build a squad by picking the right players and grooming them.”
Why Badrinath believes change was necessary
Fleming’s departure brings an end to one of the Indian Premier League’s most successful coaching partnerships. Having taken charge ahead of the 2009 season, the former New Zealand Captain helped guide Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles while establishing the franchise as one of the league’s most consistent performers.
However, CSK’s fortunes have changed in recent years. The five-time champions have failed to qualify for the playoffs in each of the past three IPL seasons, while the 2025 campaign saw the franchise finish at the bottom of the points table for the first time in its history.
Against that backdrop, Badrinath believes the demands of the squad have evolved beyond the qualities that defined much of Fleming’s tenure.
“Just being a man-manager would not work in the current CSK setup and an actual coach is needed without MS Dhoni. A coach that does more technical work will be needed now,” he said.
A new chapter for Chennai Super Kings
Badrinath, who represented Chennai Super Kings between 2008 and 2013 and spent four seasons playing under Fleming, acknowledged the significance of ending such a successful association but believes the franchise has reached a point where change is justified.
He added: “So it is the right decision to let Fleming go, even though it would have been hard.”
His comments reflect the broader challenge facing Chennai Super Kings as the franchise transitions into a new era. With a younger group of Indian players expected to form the core of the squad and MS Dhoni no longer leading the side as Captain, the focus is increasingly shifting towards long-term player development, tactical evolution and building the next successful cycle after one of the IPL’s most decorated coaching tenures.
