After a successful 18-year association with the franchise, Stephen Fleming has parted ways with the Chennai Super Kings.
Fleming, who was introduced to the franchise as a player in 2008, later went on to assume coaching duties in 2009. Since then, the 53-year-old has been instrumental to the franchise’s success over the years.
Under Fleming, CSK got their hands on five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 crowns. They reached the IPL playoffs in nine successive seasons between 2009 and 2019 (CSK were suspended in 2016 and 2017), qualifying a total of 11 times. They also played the IPL final on nine occasions.
The former New Zealand player has also coached the Super Kings franchises in the SA20 and the Major League Cricket. Under him, the Joburg Super Kings qualified for the playoffs in all four editions of the SA20. He also guided the Texas Super Kings to the MLC playoffs in each of the tournament's first three editions.
With Fleming's departure marking the end of an era, here's how CSK could replace him.
How can CSK replace Stephen Fleming as head coach?
First-choice options:
Hemang Badani
The Delhi Capitals coach for the 2025 and 2026 seasons is one of the front-runners as Fleming’s successor at CSK. His stint with the Capitals was a mixed bag, with the team finishing fifth and sixth in the 2025 and 2026 editions, respectively.
Beyond the IPL, Badani has also been appointed as the head coach of The Hundred side Southern Brave ahead of the 2026 season. His work with the TNPL franchise, Chepauk Super Gillies, is highly regarded, having guided the team to four titles.
Rahul Dravid
Dravid is currently not coaching any team after parting ways with the Rajasthan Royals following a disappointing 2025 season.
However, he enjoyed a successful coaching stint with the Indian team, culminating in the the T20 World Cup in 2024. Dravid has also been a vital figure in grooming young talent as a long-standing head coach of the Under-19 teams, something that could work in his favour if CSK look to build around their emerging core.
The ‘Outside the Box’ options:
Shane Watson
The former Australia all-rounder represented CSK for three seasons and has quietly transitioned into coaching since his retirement. Watson served as the head coach of the San Francisco Unicorns in the MLC for three years (2023-25), guiding the franchise to two playoff appearances, including a runner-up finish.
In addition, he was appointed head coach of the Pakistan Super League franchise, Quetta Gladiators, ahead of the 2024 season. Under his guidance, the franchise secured a playoff spot for the first time in five seasons.
Watson is currently the assistant coach of KKR and could emerge as a viable candidate if CSK decide to appoint a new head coach.
Ravichandran Ashwin
The former India off-spinner, who became the first India-capped player to be picked up in the MLC, has slowly started transitioning into coaching, with his first assignment being a player-coach for the Dublin Guardians in the newly launched ETPL.
Although reports have linked him as a possible successor to Brendon McCullum as England head coach, the 39-year-old could be approached by a franchise that he is extremely familiar with.
Also read: Bredon McCullum steps down as England Test head coach
The wild card
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni, who is on the cusp of retirement, could also emerge as a strong candidate as head coach for the franchise. Dhoni's long-standing allegiance with the team is well known, and he has also mentored the Indian team during the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Considering everything he has achieved with the franchise, it would hardly come as a surprise if the management offered the role to the face of their brand.
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