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Stephen Fleming set to replace Brendon McCullum as England’s new Test coach after CSK exit

hellohimachalse@gmail.com 30 Jul 2026 30 Jul 2026

New Delhi: Stephen Fleming is reportedly the favourite to take over as the new Test head coach of the after leaving Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Fleming was removed as CSK head coach earlier this month, bringing an end to his long-term association with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise.

As per a report in the Telegraph, Fleming is the frontrunner to replace his former New Zealand teammate Brendon McCullum as England’s new Test coach. Fleming emerged as the favourite for the job after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) conducted interviews throughout a week to select McCullum’s successor.

As per the report, ECB is keen to give the job to Fleming, who has pipped the likes of Jonathan Trott, Richard Dawson and the vastly experienced Tom Moody to emerge as the favourite. If selected, Fleming will work in tandem with McCullum, who continues to serve as England’s white-ball coach after being removed from his position as Test coach.

Stephen Fleming’s coaching career

Fleming began his coaching stint with the Chennai Super Kings in 2009 after retiring from cricket as a player, and he has since built his career around his successful association with the franchise. He spent 16 seasons at CSK, helping the team win five IPL titles and reach ten finals under the leadership of the legendary MS Dhoni.

Fleming and Dhoni formed a successful coach-captain partnership which was at the heart of CSK’s success in the IPL. The former New Zealand captain also oversaw Super Kings’ other franchises and served as the head coach of the Texas Super Kings in the MLC and the Joburg Super Kings in South Africa’s SA20.

Fleming was the head coach of the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants for two seasons when CSK were not part of the IPL in 2016 and 2017. He guided the team to the final in their second season under Steve Smith’s captaincy. While Fleming has been successful in franchise cricket, it remains to be seen how he will adapt in a national setup, where demands and expectations will be different.

England without Test coach and captain

England are currently without a Test head coach and captain. McCullum was sacked from his position as Test coach earlier this month after Ben Stokes retired from international cricket in the aftermath of the London bar controversy. England are yet to identify their next Test head coach and captain.

ECB’s managing director Rob Key is overseeing England’s search for their new head coach. While Fleming is a frontrunner for the coaching role, the likes of Harry Brook and Joe Root are among contenders to replace Stokes as England’s Test captain.

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