Fleming's future with CSK has come under scrutiny after the franchise failed to make playoffs for third successive year.
The five-time champions finished the season with 6 wins and 8 defeats, missing out on the playoffs for the third consecutive year.
After another dismal campaign, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has come under severe scrutiny, with both fans and experts questioning whether the team has fallen behind modern T20 strategies.
Acknowledging mounting criticism, Fleming recently conceded coaches are judged by results and that his continuation rests on the management's decision.
Meanwhile, a cricket fan took to X (formerly Twitter) and suggested that CSK should not hire Ashwin to replace Fleming as head coach, joking that the former India spinner would leak the playing XI on his YouTube channel before matches.
Ashwin responded to the fan with a sarcastic tweet, agreeing with the joke and adding that he would also leak his team's batting and bowling plans to the opposition. He also mentioned that doing so would ensure his own failure and get him investigated by the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).
"Absolutely agree with you! I will announce 11 and make sure the opposition know the bowling and batting plans as well. In fact, the above will ensure that the anti corruption unit will take me to task & will also ensure my own failure,” Ashwin wrote.
Ashwin then claimed that if CSK move on from long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming, they do not need to look elsewhere because they already have MS Dhoni.
He stated, “Adding on: When Msd is there why are you searching for anyone at all?”
Dhoni missed the entire IPL 2026 due to a calf strain, and any chance of a late-season appearance was ended by a thumb injury.
Despite being unable to play in their final home fixture in Chennai, the legendary wicketkeeper walked out to participate in a customary "lap of honour" for the Chepauk crowd. This fueled a strong fan sentiment that it might have been a quiet, informal farewell.
Neither Dhoni nor CSK have provided official confirmation regarding his retirement. His iconic status continues to drive speculation, leaving fans and experts eagerly awaiting a definitive decision regarding an IPL 2027 return.