The BCCI has reportedly sought the legendary MS Dhoni’s help in persuading Stephen Fleming to accept the India head coach role as the deadline for applications fast approach.

Fleming, who has been associated with Chennai Super Kings since the inception of IPL in 2008, has also been their head coach for the longest time since 2009. During this time, he has overseen their run to five IPL titles and forged a close bond with Dhoni.

And the BCCI hopes that close relationship between Dhoni and Fleming is enough for the former India captain to convince the New Zealand to take up the India coach job. On the other hand, Fleming is reportedly unsure since it will require him to be on the road for the major part of the year with the contract running till 2027.

“Fleming hasn’t said no. He has expressed his concerns about the tenure of the contract, which is nothing unusual. Even Rahul Dravid wasn’t keen in the beginning. He was persuaded. It shouldn’t be a surprise if the same thing happens with Fleming. And who better than MS Dhoni to do the job,” a BCCI source told Hindustan Times.

“Opening channels with Dhoni during the IPL was not the right thing to do, but now it may be worth a shot,” the publication quoted the source as saying.

Fleming is coach of four different T20 teams across the globe and still manages to give time to his family. With CSK not qualifying for the IPL playoffs, the BCCI is now hoping to approach Dhoni to help them convince Fleming.