Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth has suggested a list of potential candidates for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) IPL franchise head coach role. This comes after CSK parted ways with Stephen Fleming after 18 years of association.
Srikkanth ruled out the notion of CSK legend MS Dhoni becoming the head coach of the franchise. He said that Dhoni likes to be in the background and control things from there.
"MS Dhoni won't become the head coach. He will be more of a mentor and be in the backend. He may also be in charge of CSK overall, like a director," said Srikkanth on his YouTube channel.
MS Dhoni had missed the entire IPL 2026 tournament due to injuries, and at the age of 45, his future as a player in the league is in doubt.
Meanwhile, he also shared a few names who can be a great fit as the Chennai Super Kings' head coach, and at the top of the list was former India captain and head coach Rahul Dravid’s name. Notably, Dravid has been the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals franchise as well.
"CSK needs to follow an unorthodox approach also at times and needn't always be orthodox. Rahul Dravid could be an excellent candidate, as he's well connected with the CSK group and India Cements. He has also coached Rajasthan. But whatever happens, they should go for an Indian coach,” Srikkanth added.
Additionally, Srikkanth thinks Michael Hussey, the present batting coach, might be elevated to head coach, with Suresh Raina serving as his assistant.
"Michael Hussey might be an option, though. The choice will probably narrow down to one of Rahul Dravid or Michael Hussey. These two are well respected by everyone. Suresh Raina is more of an IPL legend. But his international track record is average. So, his becoming the head coach is probably not on. But he can become the batting coach and be part of the support staff with Hussey as the head coach,” he added.
Srikkanth also mentioned former Indian coach Anil Kumble, but he wasn't sure whether Ravi Shastri or Ravichandran Ashwin would take over as CSK's next head coach.
