Following Stephen Fleming's mutually agreed-upon exit last month, former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested two potential paths for the team's coaching transition.
Ashwin talked about a few options who could join the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as the next head coach of the franchise.
His first option was England’s 2019 World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan. Morgan doesn’t have any coaching experience, but is considered to be a brilliant tactician with a broad understanding of the game. He is credited by many for changing England’s ODI fortunes since its ouster from the 2015 World Cup.
He also led the KKR to the IPL final in the 2021 season, where his ability to shape the squad in his uber-aggressive philosophy was widely praised.
“I have a feeling Eoin Morgan might be coming… His name is doing the rounds strongly…; early discussions are on, no doubt. In this, two scenarios: Eoin Morgan- will he take it this year? Or someone else builds the team in a mini auction, and he takes it later?" Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
The other option Ashwin felt was former CSK batter and England head coach Brendon McCullum. However, realistically, his appointment might not happen as he is currently the England white-ball coach.
Although the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) appears willing to let its head coach work in the IPL, Ashwin stated that it won't be simple because the 2027 World Cup is still more than a year away.
At CSK, everything is subordinated to MS Dhoni. He still has ultimate authority as the five-time winning captain, and he must approve any coaching hire.
Ashwin stated that CSK needs someone to take charge at this crucial period when talks over trade agreements are still going on, whether it's Ruturaj Gaikwad taking over or a new head coach being hired right away.
He contended that these circumstances may be ideal for no appointment, meaning that Dhoni would unofficially run the squad for an additional year before someone could be named prior to the IPL 2028 mega auction.
“I have a strong hunch that under Dhoni’s leadership, like the shoots of a banyan tree, the others will work together… Personally, that route is the correct one. I still think so. Because the appointment will be a touch late. Because the mega auction is only one year away. That’s my strongest hunch for at least the next one year," Ashwin added.
