Who Will Be CSK’s Next Head Coach? Top Candidates Analysed
The Chennai Super Kings have entered a completely new phase. After 18 years, Stephen Fleming is no longer the CSK coach, bringing an end to one of the longest and most successful coach-franchise partnerships in IPL history. Fleming guided CSK to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies during his tenure.
Now, the big question for the franchise is simple: Who will become CSK’s new head coach for IPL 2027?
The answer is still not official. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has indicated that the coaching position is open and that the franchise has not decided whether to appoint an Indian or overseas coach. Names including Rahul Dravid and Hemang Badani have already entered the conversation.
With the Fleming era over, the next appointment could have a major impact on CSK's rebuild.
Stephen Fleming’s CSK Era Comes to an End
It is difficult to talk about the csk coach position without first acknowledging what Fleming achieved.
Fleming joined CSK as a player in the inaugural IPL season in 2008 and became head coach in 2009. Over the next 18 years, he helped create the calm, consistent culture that became closely associated with Chennai.
CSK won five IPL titles under Fleming, with championships coming in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023. The franchise also won two Champions League T20 titles during his coaching tenure.
However, CSK missed the playoffs in the last three IPL seasons. After a difficult IPL 2026 campaign, the franchise eventually decided to part ways with Fleming following discussions between the coach and management.
That leaves CSK with a major decision before the next season.
Hemang Badani
One of the most interesting names linked with the vacant position is Hemang Badani.
Reports after Fleming's departure identified the former India batter as a potential candidate to join the CSK setup. Badani has coaching experience and has been involved with franchise cricket, making him a realistic option for a team looking for a fresh Indian voice.
The biggest advantage for Badani would be his understanding of Indian domestic cricket and the modern IPL environment.
CSK are entering a transition period, and an Indian coach could potentially bring a different perspective to player development, selection and tactical planning.
Verdict: A realistic candidate if CSK want an Indian coach with franchise experience.
Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid is another major name in the discussion.
The former India head coach has already worked at the highest level and was part of India's 2024 T20 World Cup-winning coaching setup. His calm personality, tactical understanding and experience handling a dressing room full of international stars make him an obvious candidate on paper.
However, there is an important point to remember: CSK has not confirmed an approach to Dravid. In fact, Kasi Viswanathan previously said that the franchise had not contacted him.
So, while Dravid makes sense as a potential CSK new head coach, fans should separate an actual development from simple speculation.
Verdict: High-profile option, but there is no confirmed appointment or approach at present.
VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman is another name worth watching.
Former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh publicly backed Laxman as his preferred candidate to replace Fleming. Ramesh highlighted Laxman's personality, leadership qualities and previous experience within India's coaching structure.
Laxman also understands the pressure that comes with working around elite Indian players. His experience with the National Cricket Academy and the Indian team setup gives him a strong background in player development.
For CSK, that could be particularly useful as the franchise looks to build its next generation rather than relying entirely on its older core.
Verdict: An intriguing option if CSK prioritise player development and Indian cricket experience.
MS Dhoni
Then comes the name that will naturally dominate every CSK conversation — MS Dhoni.
Ravichandran Ashwin recently said that if Dhoni is willing to become the head coach, there would be no better person for CSK because of his understanding of the franchise and its culture.
But being an outstanding captain does not automatically mean becoming a full-time head coach is the right move.
Dhoni's biggest value may come from his leadership, tactical input and understanding of CSK rather than taking complete responsibility for the coaching department.
There is also uncertainty around how his playing role will evolve. CSK have expressed hope that Dhoni will return for IPL 2027, meaning his exact role could influence the coaching structure.
Verdict: A fascinating possibility, but there is currently no official indication that Dhoni will become head coach.
Mike Hussey
Mike Hussey is another familiar name within the Super Kings family.
Hussey has been closely associated with CSK for years and has served as the team's batting coach. He understands the franchise culture, its players and the methods that worked during the Fleming era.
His familiarity could make him an attractive internal option if CSK want continuity while still changing the person leading the team.
However, Hussey's current coaching commitments also need to be considered. Recent reports say Fleming has approached Hussey about joining England's Test setup as batting coach, while Hussey remains involved in franchise coaching.
Verdict: The continuity candidate who could preserve some of CSK's existing culture.
What Should CSK Look for in Their Next Coach?
The next csk coach 2026 conversation is really about IPL 2027 and beyond.
CSK don't simply need someone with a big name. They need a coach who can work with a changing squad, develop younger players and build a modern T20 strategy.
The franchise has already undergone significant squad changes, and the next coaching appointment could influence everything from player development to auction strategy and playing combinations.
The biggest challenge will be replacing Fleming without trying to copy him.
Fleming's greatest strength was arguably the environment he created. The next coach needs to build a new version of that environment while bringing fresh tactical ideas.
Who Is the Most Likely CSK Coach?
At this stage, there is no officially confirmed successor to Stephen Fleming.
Hemang Badani appears to be one of the names connected with the position, while Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and MS Dhoni have been discussed publicly in different contexts. Mike Hussey represents another possible internal route.
CSK's own management has said that the search remains open and that both Indian and overseas candidates could be considered.
For now, the safest answer is that CSK are still evaluating their options.
One thing is certain: whoever becomes the CSK coach will inherit enormous expectations. Fleming spent nearly two decades building the franchise's identity. The next coach will have the difficult job of respecting that legacy while creating something new.
And that makes the CSK coaching appointment one of the most important stories to follow ahead of IPL 2027.
