Fix MS Dhoni’s role first, CSK told before choosing coach

Former India batter Kris Srikkanth has urged Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to settle MS Dhoni's future role before appointing a new head coach. Stephen Fleming's 18-year tenure ended after IPL 2026, leaving the five-time champions searching for a successor. Dhoni did not play a single match in IPL 2026, creating uncertainty over his future with the franchise.

Srikkanth backed CSK's batting coach Michael Hussey as the ideal replacement for Fleming, dismissing external candidates Eoin Morgan and Brendon McCullum. "I won't go for Eoin Morgan for sure," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel, adding that Morgan should stick to commentary. He also ruled out McCullum due to his ongoing responsibilities as England's white-ball coach and the demands of the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle.

"CSK don't need anyone from outside when they have Mr. Cricket with him," Srikkanth said, referring to Hussey. However, he stressed that the coaching decision depends on clarity about Dhoni's role: "What will MS Dhoni's place in CSK be going forward? That arrangement has to be fixed first."