# Ashwin tips Morgan as CSK coach, wants Dhoni to lead transition 2026-08-13T19:19:55+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Ravichandran Ashwin has named Eoin Morgan as a strong candidate to replace Stephen Fleming as Chennai Super Kings head coach. Fleming left after 17 years following CSK's eighth-place finish in IPL 2026. Ashwin said on his YouTube channel that Morgan's name is 'doing the rounds strongly' and that early discussions are on. Morgan led KKR to the 2021 IPL final and England to the 2019 ODI World Cup but has no top-level coaching experience. Ashwin also floated Brendon McCullum as an option but noted his England commitments. He argued that MS Dhoni should continue to provide leadership during the transition, especially with a mega auction a year away. Separately, Dhoni was spotted in Chennai at a hotel, which fans took as a sign he may return for IPL 2027. Dhoni missed the entire 2026 season due to injury but was retained for Rs 4 crore. ## Coverage - rediff.com - rediff.com Tags: CSK, eoin morgan, IPL, MS Dhoni, Ravichandran Ashwin, Stephen Fleming Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/ashwin-says-eoin-morgan-leading-race-for-csk-coach/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/ashwin-says-eoin-morgan-leading-race-for-csk-coach/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.