NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have parted ways with the long-serving coach Stephen Flemingending a long association with the former New Zealand captain. TimesofIndia.com has learned that the franchise is reviewing its cricket operations, with the former India batsman Hemang Badani emerging as a candidate to join the coaching set-up. The top of the franchise is currently in Dallas, reviewing the last few seasons and planning the way forward. While trade talks are ongoing, a major decision on the entire coaching staff could still be made. Rupa Gurunath, daughter of N Srinivasan and full-time Director of Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL), oversees key decisions. “Stephen Fleming has been the heart of our coaching unit for almost the entire journey of this franchise. For almost two decades, he has helped shape our identity, vision and pursuit of excellence,” Rupa was quoted as saying in a CSK press release.“On behalf of everyone in the Super Kings franchise, we extend our deepest gratitude for his commitment, passion and unwavering leadership. While our journey together on the field comes to an end, he will always remain an integral part of the team’s legacy.”While discussions on all cricketing matters continue, former Indian cricketer Hemang Badani, head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC) for the last two seasons, is in the running to join CSK. DC finished fifth and sixth under Badani in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, respectively, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot in his first season.Fleming’s association with CSK spanned almost two decades, first as a player in the inaugural IPL season and then as head coach from 2009. During the franchise’s two-year suspension in 2016 and 2017, he coached Rising Pune Supergiant, leading the team to the 2017 final. Under Fleming, CSK reached 11 finals, 10 in the IPL and one in the Champions League, winning six titles.However, the last few years have been disappointing. After narrowly missing the playoffs in 2024, CSK finished 10th and eighth in the next two seasons. The franchise has also struggled in other leagues where Fleming has been in charge. The Joburg Super Kings have reached the SA20 playoffs in each of the past three seasons but are yet to make a final, while the Texas Super Kings are yet to reach the Major League Cricket (MLC) title clash. In the current season, they finished last with three wins and seven defeats from 10 games.The next few weeks could be significant for CSK, with difficult decisions expected on jobs, coaching staff and even the captaincy as the franchise looks to restore its past glory.