Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are looking for a new head coach after Stephen Fleming ended his long association with the franchise after IPL 2026. As CSK continues to search for his replacement, Sadagoppan Ramesh believes VVS Laxman is the best man to handle the role.
Fleming and CSK recently ended their 18-year successful partnership after a disappointing performance in the IPL 2026 season. Under his coaching, CSK won five IPL titles, including the 2023 trophy. But after that they failed to qualify for the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin named MS Dhoni as the next head coach of CSK.
Sadagoppan Ramesh explains why VVS Laxman is a perfect fit for CSK
Former Indian cricketer Sadagoppan Ramesh feels that legendary batsman and current NCA chief VVS Laxman will fit perfectly into the culture of Chennai Super Kings. He said that Laxman is calm, understands the players well and can create a family-like atmosphere inside the dressing room.
He also pointed out that Laxman has good coaching experience, having served as India’s interim head coach on several occasions when Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir were unavailable.
During his tenure with the India national cricket team, Laxman led India to a gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games and a 3-1 T20I series win over South Africa in 2024. Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir’s respect is waning, he is facing dressing room concerns from seniors, youngsters.
He will be like an elder brother to everyone: Sadagoppan Ramesh on VVS Laxman
“Many names are being mentioned as Fleming’s replacement. Although there are plenty of options, VVS Laxman is the best candidate to take over as CSK head coach,” Sadagoppan Ramesh said in a video on Instagram.
“The first of the three main reasons why he will serve as coach of CSK is that he is a fantastic person. He will be like a big brother to everyone in the team and will take them to the next level.”
The former cricketer further added, “The CSK management has always treated the team like a family. Such a wonderful culture will only grow when Laxman becomes the head coach. He also has experience of coaching at the highest level, having served as India’s interim head coach several times when Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir were unavailable. And whenever he has taken over as coach, India has achieved great results.”
VVS Laxman-Sanju Samson pair can change CSK: Ramesh
Ramesh has further said that if Laxman becomes the head coach of CSK, then Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson can benefit the most. He highlighted how Samson scored back-to-back centuries during India’s 2024 South Africa T20I tour under Laxman. He believes that “Sanju’s mind was free under Laxman’s leadership,” and this helped him give his best performance.
After Fleming’s departure, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad may have to face criticism after the team’s poor performance in the IPL under his captaincy. Given that, Ramesh feels that Samson could be the ideal choice to replace Gaikwad as the captain of Chennai Super Kings.
The Indian wicketkeeper joined CSK after the mega IPL trade with Rajasthan Royals and has performed well with the bat. The right-handed batsman was also CSK’s top scorer in IPL 2026, scoring 477 runs in 14 matches at an average of over 43 and a strike rate of 165.62.
Ramesh signed off by saying, “CSK’s trump card in the future is going to be Sanju Samson. If CSK makes Sanju their next captain, I believe there will be an excellent equation between Sanju and Laxman.”
