CSK brace for shake-up as Stephen Fleming exits and Zaheer Khan takes charge

End of an era as Fleming departs

Chennai Super Kings are preparing for a significant overhaul ahead of the next IPL season, with long-time coach Stephen Fleming departing and former India pacer Zaheer Khan set to take over as his successor. The changing of the guard comes as the franchise looks to arrest a slide that has followed MS Dhoni's handover of the captaincy.

Dhoni stepped down as CSK captain in 2024, passing the leadership to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Since then, the five-time champions have failed to reach the playoffs, finishing fifth, tenth and eighth in the points table across the three seasons.

Dhoni's role in the new set-up uncertain

Dhoni's place in the revamped structure remains unclear. The 45-year-old missed the entire IPL 2026 season with recurring injuries and has said his participation next season depends on a fitness assessment he will undergo before December. Whether he returns as a player or moves into a role away from the field will hinge on that evaluation and his own decision.

The franchise's management has previously indicated that the choice is Dhoni's to make, even as the side undergoes its most substantial restructure in years.