Earlier this week, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming mutually parted ways, ending their 18-year association.
Fleming's departure marks a massive transition for CSK, closing a chapter that yielded five IPL titles and two Champions League trophies. The franchise entered the playoffs a record 12 times, while also being part of 10 IPL finals.
In the wake of Fleming’s exit, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly backed MS Dhoni as the ideal successor.
Ashwin expressed that it was "about time" the franchise looked beyond Fleming and stated there is "no better person" than Dhoni to take over the head coach role.
“Fleming really understood what ticked Dhoni, and Dhoni understood that Fleming was a great lieutenant, and that partnership carried on for such a long time. I would say it was about time Chennai Super Kings looked beyond,” Ashwin said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“If Dhoni is willing to do that, there is no better person that Chennai Super Kings can go after,” he added.
If Dhoni chooses not to step into the formal coaching role, Ashwin stressed that the new hire must be given freedom to operate independently and take full accountability.
“If not, they need to find someone who will be able to operate independently and take accountability for his or her own actions,” he stated.
Ashwin believes that because Dhoni remains deeply involved in discussions over squad selection and on-field strategy, an outside coach would face immediate "uncertainty".
“I think there is a small aspect of uncertainty for anybody who will walk into that dressing room. Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a huge name, and he’s still very much a part of the discussion when you’re talking about a squad that will be picked to play,” he remarked.
CSK finished the IPL 2026 season with 6 wins and 8 defeats, missing out on the playoffs for the third consecutive year. Dhoni missed the entire tournament due to injuries. Initially ruled out for two weeks, his recovery hit an obstacle as he re-tweaked calf muscle during a warm-up session. The 45-year-old then reportedly hurt his thumb, forcing him to miss the last few games.
