Now Reading: Ashwin tips Morgan as CSK coach, wants Dhoni to lead transition
-
01
Ashwin tips Morgan as CSK coach, wants Dhoni to lead transition
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.…
The Story in Brief
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.
The Indian Opinion
The narrative that CSK is in crisis because Fleming left ignores that the franchise has rebuilt before. Ashwin's suggestion that Dhoni should lead the transition is nostalgic but practical only if Dhoni wants to coach, not play. The real test is whether Morgan, with zero coaching experience, can handle a pressure-cooker role, or if CSK will instead bet on McCullum if his England duties allow. The question is: will Dhoni finally take a formal backroom role, or will fans demand he keep playing?
Sources (2): rediff.com, rediff.com (2)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
