Ashwin claims Eoin Morgan is frontrunner to become CSK's new head coach

Chennai Super Kings are searching for a new head coach after Stephen Fleming stepped down from the role he held for 16 seasons with the franchise. The vacancy has drawn significant attention, with former England captain Eoin Morgan emerging as a name strongly linked to the position.

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin stated that sources close to the franchise pointed firmly towards Morgan. Ashwin added that he expected CSK to finalise the appointment within a week of that date.

Morgan captained England to the 2019 Cricket World Cup, the country's first and only title in the format. His leadership record in the IPL is also notable: he took charge of Kolkata Knight Riders partway through the 2020 season and remained captain through 2021. In his one complete season at the helm, KKR advanced to the IPL final, where they were beaten by CSK. Despite that experience, Morgan has not taken on a head coach position at any level since retiring from playing.

What did Ashwin say about Morgan and the CSK coaching role?

Ashwin was direct in sharing his assessment, attributing his information to sources inside the franchise. He also sketched out a possible transitional arrangement that would see MS Dhoni take interim responsibility before Morgan formally assumes the role.

"I have a strong hunch. Eoin Morgan's name is strongly linked to the CSK head coach role, per my sources. I think a decision will be made in the next week. Personally, I feel this will go to MS Dhoni and be run by the others. I think that will be the right decision because appointing a replacement for Fleming is a touch late with the mega auction just a year away," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin further claimed that Nathan Laemon, a data analyst who worked alongside England's coaching staff during Morgan's captaincy, would be brought into CSK's support structure if Morgan is confirmed. CSK had made no official statement on any candidate or on the appointment process as of August 13.

What is the next confirmed step in CSK's coaching appointment?

Based on Ashwin's account, CSK is expected to reach a decision by around August 20, 2026. His suggestion is that Dhoni could oversee the 2027 IPL season in an interim capacity, with Morgan then taking full charge once the mega auction cycle opens in 2028.

CSK has issued no public confirmation of Morgan's candidacy, no formal timeline and no comment on Ashwin's claims. Until the franchise makes an official announcement, Morgan's link to the role remains an unverified claim sourced from Ashwin's contacts. The final decision and its timing are yet to be independently confirmed.