CSK Urged to Fix MS Dhoni’s Role Before Naming Next Head Coach

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are preparing for a major change in their coaching setup after the departure of long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming, but former India batter Kris Srikkanth believes the franchise should first resolve MS Dhoni’s role before appointing his successor.

Fleming’s exit brought an end to an 18-year association with CSK. During his tenure, the former New Zealand captain guided the franchise to five IPL titles and established one of the most successful coach-team partnerships in the tournament’s history.

With CSK now searching for a new head coach, several high-profile names have been linked with the vacancy, including former England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan and England white-ball coach Brendon McCullum.

However, Srikkanth has rejected both options and instead backed CSK’s current batting coach Michael Hussey for the position.

Kris Srikkanth Rejects Eoin Morgan and Brendon McCullum for CSK Job

Eoin Morgan has emerged as one of the potential candidates for the CSK head coach position. Former CSK and India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently discussed Morgan’s prospects and suggested that the franchise could be considering the former England captain.

Srikkanth, however, does not believe Morgan should be appointed as Fleming’s successor. He acknowledged Morgan’s achievements as a player and captain but questioned his coaching credentials.

“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,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

Srikkanth also advised CSK against appointing Brendon McCullum. McCullum’s existing responsibilities with England could make the role difficult to manage, particularly with preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup ahead.

“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,” Srikkanth added.

Michael Hussey Emerges as Srikkanth’s Preferred Choice

Instead of looking outside the franchise, Srikkanth believes CSK already have the ideal candidate within their existing coaching structure.

Michael Hussey, widely known as Mr. Cricket, has been part of CSK’s coaching setup as batting coach. His familiarity with the franchise’s culture, players and methods makes him, according to Srikkanth, a natural successor to Fleming.

“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,” Srikkanth said.

Hussey’s potential appointment would also provide continuity for CSK at a time when the franchise is entering a new phase following Fleming’s departure.

MS Dhoni’s Future Could Decide CSK’s Next Move

While the coaching vacancy remains a major talking point, Srikkanth believes CSK must first determine what role MS Dhoni will have going forward.

Dhoni’s future with CSK remains uncertain after he did not feature in a single match during the IPL 2026 season. Given his enormous influence within the franchise, his eventual decision could have a significant impact on CSK’s leadership and coaching structure.

Srikkanth believes the franchise should clarify Dhoni’s responsibilities before finalising the next head coach.

“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.

Why MS Dhoni’s Role Matters to CSK’s Coaching Decision

Dhoni has been central to CSK’s identity since the beginning of the IPL. Even as his playing role has reduced in recent seasons, his leadership experience and influence have remained important elements of the franchise’s setup.

With Fleming now gone, CSK could potentially enter a new era in which responsibilities are distributed differently between the head coach, support staff and senior leadership group.

That makes the question of Dhoni’s future particularly important. If he continues in a significant leadership or mentoring capacity, CSK may prefer a coach who is already familiar with the franchise’s internal culture.

This is one reason why Srikkanth’s support for Hussey could make sense from a continuity perspective. Hussey already understands CSK’s environment and would not need to establish himself within the franchise from scratch.

CSK Face a Major Transition After Stephen Fleming’s Departure

Fleming’s departure represents one of the biggest changes in CSK’s history. He had been associated with the franchise for 18 years and played a crucial role in building its long-term identity.

Under Fleming, CSK became known for consistency, experienced players and a stable team culture. Replacing him will therefore be about more than simply finding a coach with an impressive résumé.

The franchise will need to determine whether it wants to continue with its established philosophy or introduce a fresh approach.

Srikkanth’s recommendation suggests that CSK should prioritise continuity by promoting Hussey rather than bringing in an external coach.

What Happens Next for CSK?

CSK’s next steps are likely to depend heavily on the franchise’s decision regarding MS Dhoni. Once his future role becomes clearer, the coaching structure can be finalised with greater certainty.

For Srikkanth, the answer is straightforward: CSK should retain its existing cricketing knowledge, appoint Michael Hussey as head coach and settle Dhoni’s position before making any other major decision.

Whether CSK follow that route or opt for an external candidate such as Morgan or McCullum remains to be seen. The decision will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the five-time IPL champions after nearly two decades under Fleming.