IPL 2025: “Remove Dhoni and CSK Would Have Won Nothing!” – Hemang Badani Takes Brutal Dig at Stephen Fleming

Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani has stirred controversy with his latest comments on Chennai Super Kings’ long-time coach Stephen Fleming. Badani bluntly stated that Fleming owes his IPL success to MS Dhoni, and without him, CSK wouldn’t have won a single title.

“Fleming Has Achieved Nothing Without Dhoni”

Speaking in a recent interview, Hemang Badani took a sharp dig at the former New Zealand skipper. He said:

“Fleming hasn’t won any titles other than the IPL. In the IPL, he has won the titles because of MS Dhoni. If Fleming was alone, Chennai would definitely not have won these trophies.”

Badani also questioned Fleming’s coaching record outside the IPL.

“He is coaching in Big Bash, MLC, SA20, and The Hundred too. But what has he achieved in any of those leagues? Nothing,” he added.

Stephen Fleming joined CSK as a player in 2008 and became their head coach in 2009. Since then, he has remained with the franchise and guided them to five IPL titles – 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.

However, Badani believes that Dhoni has been the main force behind those trophies. According to him, the credit for CSK’s consistent success should go to the former Indian captain and not to the coach.

CSK Struggling in IPL 2025

The timing of Badani’s remarks is interesting. CSK are currently facing one of their worst starts to a season. After winning their first game against Mumbai Indians, they have lost four matches in a row. The five-time champions are now under pressure to bounce back or risk early elimination.

On the other hand, Delhi Capitals, under Badani’s leadership, are flying high. They are the only unbeaten team so far in IPL 2025, having won all three of their matches.