With Chennai Super Kings (CSK) expected to make changes to their coaching setup, former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh has backed VVS Laxman as the ideal candidate to replace long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming.
Stephen Fleming has been at the helm of CSK since 2009 after representing the franchise as a player in the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Under his guidance, the franchise won all five of its IPL titles, with the most recent triumph coming in 2023. However, the five-time champions have failed to qualify for the playoffs in each of the three seasons since then, leading to growing calls for a change.
Speaking in an Instagram video, Sadagoppan Ramesh said there are several candidates who could replace Stephen Fleming but he believes VVS Laxman stands out as the best choice.
Sadagoppan Ramesh explained that VVS Laxman’s biggest strength is his personality, saying he has the ability to act like an elder brother to everyone in the dressing room and help players improve. He also pointed out that CSK has always built its success around a strong family-like culture and believes VVS Laxman would further strengthen that environment.
The former opener also highlighted VVS Laxman’s coaching experience. He noted that the former India batter has served as India’s interim head coach on multiple occasions when Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir were unavailable, giving him valuable experience at the highest level.
Stephen Fleming’s partnership with former CSK captain MS Dhoni has been one of the most successful combinations in the IPL history, helping the franchise establish itself as one of the league’s most consistent teams.
Earlier, CSK owner Rupa Gurunath had praised Stephen Fleming for his immense contribution to the franchise, calling him the driving force behind the team’s coaching setup and crediting him for playing a key role in the team’s sustained success.
