Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has dismissed former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming from the role of head coach. Now, former CSK spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has identified former CSK captain MS Dhoni as the next head coach for the five-time Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) champions. He believes that Dhoni is the best choice for the Men in Yellow team.
Ashwin feels that MS Dhoni can be the best option only if the former Indian captain decides to take up the role. However, Dhoni has not yet retired from the IPL, although he did not play a single game last season due to a knee injury suffered during the pre-season.
Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni gave great days to CSK
Under the leadership of Stephen Fleming, CSK had their best years as his departure marked the end of one of the longest and most successful partnerships between coach and franchise in IPL history. He was selected by the franchise as a player in 2008 before taking up the role of head coach in 2009 and has guided the team to five IPL titles, two Champions League Twenty20 titles, 10 IPL finals and 12 playoff appearances.
CSK had its best times when Fleming was the coach and Dhoni was the captain; Ashwin said that the partnership between the two has been amazing; However, now the men in yellow need to look further.
“Fleming really understood what Dhoni liked, and Dhoni understood that Fleming was a great lieutenant, and that partnership has lasted so long. I would say now is the time for Chennai Super Kings to look forward,” Ashwin said on ESPNcricinfo.
“There is no better person”: Ravichandran Ashwin on MS Dhoni becoming the next head coach of CSK
Ashwin feels that MS Dhoni’s extensive knowledge of the franchise makes him the best choice to replace Fleming if the former Indian captain is interested in coaching.
“If Dhoni is willing to do that, there is no one better than Chennai Super Kings,” he said.
Also, Ravi Ashwin warned that if CSK appoints a coach from outside, it could backfire due to Dhoni’s continued influence within the franchise. Because the coach will not be able to work freely.
“If not, they need to find someone who can work independently and take accountability for their actions,” Ashwin said.
Will MS Dhoni become the next head coach?
As of now, it is not clear whether MS Dhoni will continue playing in 2027 or not. He missed the entire IPL 2026 due to a knee ailment, and the franchise has been cautious and very low-key about his future.
“I think there is a slight element of uncertainty for anyone going into the dressing room,” Ashwin said. “Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a big name and he is still part of the discussion when you are talking about the team you pick to play.”
CSK finished 8th in the league table as they failed to qualify for the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Questions are being raised over Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy in the IPL as he has failed to perform well for the franchise as a leader since taking over the captaincy from Dhoni.