Australian legend Matthew Hayden has endorsed Dinesh Karthik as the ideal successor to Stephen Fleming for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach position, highlighting the former India wicketkeeper’s domestic roots and readiness for a major leadership role.
Fleming parted ways with CSK last month, ending his 18-year association with the franchise. His departure marks a massive transition for CSK, closing a chapter that yielded five IPL titles and two Champions League trophies.
The former New Zealand captain has since joined England as their Test head coach, succeeding compatriot Brendon McCullum.
Speaking to Sportstar, Hayden stated that a massive franchise like CSK benefits from a local or "Chennai touch", noting Karthik possesses the right temperament and experience to step into the head coach role.
“It’s something that I really hope that the franchise gets right. Flemo did a fantastic job with MS Dhoni; that was really such a strong engine room of CSK,” Hayden said.
"There are names that have been mentioned; one of them was Dinesh Karthik, who I think is probably ready to take on that kind of role. I think it’s important to have a local coach.
“I know that a lot of franchises do go for international coaches, but I feel like the head coach role of a franchise as big as CSK should have that kind of local touch, even Chennai touch, which is why I thought Dinesh would be perfect.
“You can certainly have support staff that aren’t local, but what a shift... [It was] such a beautiful campaign that MS and Flemm had. So much success, equal title holds with Mumbai [Indians], just such a good legacy, but it’s a bold and good move, and I’m looking forward to seeing who gets the job,” he added.
It will be interesting to see if Karthik is also keen to take up the job with CSK. Several reports claim that he is interested, but there is no official statement from him as yet.
After ending his IPL playing career, Karthik made a seamless transition to being RCB's batting coach and mentor. The 41-year-old tasted instant success in his new role as RCB clinched their maiden IPL title in 2025 and defended the crown this season.
