CSK must fix MS Dhoni arrangement first, says Kris Srikkanth

Chennai Super Kings ended their 18-year association with head coach Stephen Fleming in July 2026. Fleming, who guided the franchise to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies, has since joined England as the Test team head coach. The coaching vacancy comes ahead of the Indian Premier League 2027 season, with the franchise searching for an overseas replacement.

Former Indian selector Kris Srikkanth has offered his perspective on the appointment process. Srikkanth ruled out two prominent international figures from consideration for the role. He stated that Eoin Morgan, despite his credentials as a player and England captain, would not be suitable as a coach.

"I won't go for Eoin Morgan for sure. He was a good player and a good captain for England. But as a coach, I won't accept him as an option. Even as KKR's captain, he didn't do anything great. It'll be best if he just sticks to commentary. Likewise, it'll be good for CSK if they don't appoint Brendon McCullum as the head coach. They should say no to both Morgan and McCullum," said Srikkanth on his YouTube channel.

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Michael Hussey as the preferred choice and the Dhoni question

Instead, Srikkanth backed Michael Hussey for the role. Hussey has served as CSK's batting coach since 2018 and spent six seasons as a player at the franchise. Srikkanth expressed confidence in Hussey's suitability for the head coach position.

However, Srikkanth raised a critical concern about the franchise's internal structure that must be addressed before any appointment is finalised. MS Dhoni's future role at CSK remains a key question that needs resolution before the coaching decision is made.

"CSK don't need anyone from outside when they have Mr. Cricket with him. Michael Hussey should be the automatic head coach. He will be the best choice. But what will MS Dhoni's place in CSK be going forward? That arrangement has to be fixed first, and only then will everything else fall in place," Srikkanth said.

CSK's recent performance has intensified the need for change. After winning their fifth title in 2023, the franchise failed to qualify for the IPL playoffs in each of the next three years. The team finished eighth in IPL 2026 following a last-placed finish in 2025. Albie Morkel and Mike Hussey are among the leading candidates for the vacant head coach position as the franchise prepares for the 2027 season.