Veteran MS Dhoni is most likely to play a vital role in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2027) for Chennai Super Kings after Stephen Fleming’s sacking as the head coach. On Monday, the five-time champions decided to part ways with the former New Zealand cricketer after 18 long years, thereby commencing their hunt for a new coach. As per reports, the decision to let go of Fleming was taken after a review of the performances of the franchises across leagues. Meanwhile, Dhoni’s future is uncertain and it remains to be seen if he will continue as a player or take up a coaching role.
MS Dhoni to play vital role, pick new CSK coach
As per The Indian Express, Dhoni is likely to play a vital role in the road ahead and will be involved in the process to pick Fleming’s successor as CSK‘s new head coach. The report states that he is likely to meet a few candidates for the position in the UK during The Hundred. The report states that CSK could possibly be looking at an Indian to replace Fleming. This comes after reports on Monday stated that DC coach Hemang Badani is the frontrunner.
It is no secret that Dhoni is heavily involved in the management of the team and therefore will have a say in who will become the next head coach. Meanwhile, Dhoni did not even play a single game in IPL 2026 owing to injuries and other reasons, fuelling speculations on his future as a player in the league. Earlier this year, CSK MD Viswanathan had stated that the team was happy to associate with MSD in any capacity in the future.
“The new head coach will decide the support staff. It is only fair if he gets to bring his own support staff or if he wishes to carry on someone from within,” CSK MD Kasi Viswanathan said.
Why was Fleming sacked?
Explaining the decision to part ways with Stephen Fleming, CSK MD Viswanathan claimed that an honest discussion was held during which the team’s performance in the previous season was evaluated. The CSK official added that the evaluation process had just been completed and that the franchise will start exploring the next options, adding that the team hasn’t decided on any particular name yet.
“We had an honest discussion and where we evaluated the season, and we decided to part ways mutually. We have just finished this process, and we will start exploring the next options. We have not decided on any particular name yet,” Viswanathan added.
Fleming was one of the most decorated coaches in the IPL. He was a part of the CSK franchise since the inception of the league an has led the team to five trophies. However, there was growing pressure on the ex-NZ star after CSK failed to make it to the IPL Playoffs for three consecutive seasons. Therefore, his sacking doesn’t come as a surprise.
Cricket
England to test India with short-ball tactic again in ENG vs IND 1st ODI; Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli warned
