-1789026953937.webp)
- By Sunny Daud
- Thu, 10 Sep 2026 01:26 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Chennai Super Kings could have a new head coach in place within the next couple of weeks, and the five-time champions are currently looking at several options to replace Stephen Fleming, who ended his long association with CSK after the team failed to make the IPL playoffs for a third straight season.
Former India batter Hemang Badani has emerged as one of the leading candidates for the job. The Indian Express has reported that MS Dhoni has backed the idea of having an Indian coach lead the team, although the final decision will be taken by the CSK owners.
The franchise is still considering overseas candidates before making a final call.
MS Dhoni Wants An Indian Coach
Fleming had been CSK’s head coach since 2009 and was a key figure behind the franchise’s sustained success in the IPL. After his departure, as quoted by the Indian Express, CSK CEO and MD Kasi Viswanathan had said that the responsibility of finding the next head coach had been handed to Dhoni.
While an overseas appointment was initially considered likely, Dhoni is understood to have pushed for an Indian coach instead.
His thinking is that Indian players have become an increasingly important part of the IPL, and a homegrown coach could bring a different understanding to the team.
Former India Batter Emerges As Front-Runner
Badani’s previous coaching experience makes him a strong contender.
He has worked in the IPL as the head coach of Delhi Capitals and has also enjoyed success in other T20 leagues. He has been part of title-winning campaigns in the SA20, ILT20 and LPL.
His familiarity with Tamil Nadu cricket could also work in his favour. CSK have struggled at their home ground in Chepauk in recent seasons, and their ability to read the conditions has been an issue.
Fleming himself had admitted in the past that CSK had sometimes struggled to understand the pitches at home.
Dhoni Wants Full-Time CSK Coach
The report further added that MS Dhoni wants the new head coach to work exclusively with CSK and not take up coaching jobs in other T20 leagues.
Fleming had multiple roles outside the IPL. Along with CSK, he was also associated with Johannesburg Super Kings in the SA20 and Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket.
CSK now want their next coach to be completely focused on the franchise.
That could become an issue in the case of Badani, who currently has coaching commitments with Southern Brave in The Hundred and Dubai Capitals in the ILT20. He is also a consultant with Seattle Orcas.
Whether CSK would be willing to compensate a coach for giving up those other assignments remains unclear.
Big Rebuild Ahead For CSK
The new head coach will walk into a team that needs a major rebuild. CSK’s approach in recent auctions has not produced the desired results. The franchise invested heavily in young and uncapped players ahead of the 2026 season, but the move failed to bring an immediate turnaround.
The next coach will therefore have an important role in shaping the squad and helping CSK return to their previous level. Dhoni is also understood to want the new coach to play a major role in the team’s planning for the next mega auction.
Support Staff Decision After New Coach Appointment
CSK have not officially revealed the names being considered for the head coach’s position. Several discussions have taken place in recent days, with Dhoni involved in deciding the direction the franchise wants to take. The decision on the rest of the support staff will reportedly be left to the new head coach once the appointment is finalised.