The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won’t just discuss their performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 in the post-season review. They’ll have to find a new head coach as well. Earlier today, on July 13, Stephen Fleming left the franchise after 17 years. After 3 unsuccessful seasons, CSK and Fleming have decided to part ways.
The 5-time IPL champions will have to appoint a head coach before starting their preparations for the IPL 2027 season, which will begin with the mini-auction in November or December. At the moment, there’s no clue who’ll replace Fleming. But CSK have a few options.
5 coaches who can replace Stephen Fleming at CSK
| Potential Replacement | IPL coaching experience |
|---|---|
| Hemang Badani | SRH fielding coach from 2021 to 2023 & DC head coach from 2025 to 2026 |
| Rahul Dravid | RR team mentor 2014 to 2015 & RR head coach in 2025 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | None so far |
| Michael Hussey | CSK batting coach since 2018 |
| MS Dhoni | None so far |
Hemang Badani
Reports suggest that CSK is in talks with Hemang Badani, who served as the head coach of the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the last two seasons. Badani has worked for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL and is currently working with the Hundred for the Southern Brave as their head coach. Since JSW will have control of DC until 2028, Badani can potentially work with CSK.
Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid has a wealth of knowledge and experience as a coach. He’s taken India to the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy and has worked with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) as well. Currently, he’s stepped away from coaching, but rumour has it that he’ll be contacted to replace Brendon McCullum as England’s Test coach.
“CSK needs to follow an unorthodox approach also at times and needn’t always be orthodox. Rahul Dravid could be an excellent candidate, as he’s well connected with the CSK group and India Cements. He has also coached Rajasthan. But whatever happens, they should go for an Indian coach,” Krishnamachari Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel Cheeky Cheeka.
Michael Hussey
Michael Hussey, the current CSK batting coach, could be a viable option to take over from Fleming. The former Australian batter played for 6 seasons for the franchise and has been their coach since 2018. He knows the franchise inside and out. He can be the perfect fit, short or long-term.
“Michael Hussey might be an option. The choice will probably narrow down to one of Dravid or Hussey. These two are well respected by everyone. Suresh Raina is more of an IPL legend. But his international track record is average. So, him becoming the head coach is probably not on. But he can become the batting coach and be part of the support staff with Hussey as the head coach,” Srikkanth added.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Like Dravid, Ravichandran Ashwin‘s name has also emerged as McCullum’s potential replacement. Recently, he was appointed as the captain and mentor of the Dublin Guardians in the inaugural edition of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). One can’t forget that Ashwin played for CSK in 8 IPL seasons, and Chennai is his home ground.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni hasn’t yet retired from the IPL. But he didn’t play in the last season. In the past, the CSK ownership has hinted that he’ll remain with the franchise, even if he isn’t playing. That would suggest joining the setup. However, one doesn’t know whether that means he’ll be ready to become the head coach, the mentor, or the director of cricket.
Cricket
Harmanpreet Kaur's Team India hands hosts England humiliation, 270-run defeat at iconic Lord's Test
