Chennai Super Kings could turn to a fresh face in the dugout after ending their long association with Stephen Fleming, and veteran India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin believes former England captain Eoin Morgan could be a strong contender for the role. The five-time IPL champions recently parted ways with Fleming following a couple of underwhelming seasons. One of the most successful franchises in IPL history, CSK have struggled in recent years, and the coaching change is expected to bring a new approach as the team looks to rebuild and return to the top.
According to Ashwin, Morgan’s name is already prominent in discussions over Fleming’s successor. However, he is unsure whether Morgan would take charge immediately or join the franchise at a later stage. “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. Morgan has never been a head coach at either international or franchise level. Since stepping away from professional cricket in 2023, the former England captain has primarily worked as a commentator and pundit. Despite his lack of coaching experience, Morgan has built a reputation as one of the game's most astute white-ball thinkers. He played a central role in England’s transformation into a dominant limited-overs side and captained the team to its first 50-over World Cup title in 2019 on home soil. His leadership, tactical awareness and aggressive style have made him a highly respected figure in the game. Ashwin also believes MS Dhoni could remain central to CSK’s transition as the franchise searches for Fleming’s replacement. According to him, Dhoni’s leadership could help provide stability and direction while a new coaching structure takes shape. The timing of the appointment could also be a factor, with the next mega auction only a year away. Ashwin suggested that Dhoni’s influence could be especially important during this period, allowing the franchise to navigate the transition before making wider changes. “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. … My strongest hunch is that under MS Dhoni’s leadership, like the shoots of a banyan tree, the others will work together. That’s my strongest hunch for at least the next one year," Ashwin said. With Fleming’s era now over, CSK are set for a new chapter. Whether Morgan becomes the man in charge immediately or joins later, Ashwin’s comments suggest the franchise could be considering a major shift in its coaching setup while continuing to rely heavily on Dhoni during the transition.