CSK coach hunt: Chennai Super Kings told to 'fix MS Dhoni arrangement' before appointing Stephen Fleming replacement originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Kris Srikkanth says CSK must settle MS Dhoni's role before appointing a new head coach. He ruled out both Eoin Morgan and Brendon McCullum for the job. Srikkanth backed existing batting coach Michael Hussey as the automatic choice.
CSK told to 'fix MS Dhoni arrangement' before appointing Stephen Fleming replacement Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings face the most consequential appointment in their modern history, and Kris Srikkanth believes the franchise is looking at the problem the wrong way round. The former India opener and national selector argues that CSK must resolve MS Dhoni's future within the setup before they even think about who replaces Stephen Fleming. Fleming's exit brought an end to one of the most successful coaching partnerships in IPL history. The former New Zealand captain spent 18 years at the helm, guiding the five-time champions to all five of their titles before the two parties parted ways on mutual consent. The vacancy has attracted an array of names, with Eoin Morgan emerging as a leading possibility. Ravichandran Ashwin recently suggested on his YouTube channel that CSK were seriously considering the former England white-ball captain for the position. MORE: CSK to appoint overseas coach: 3 candidates who can replace Fleming Why Kris Srikkanth wants CSK to settle MS Dhoni's role first Srikkanth was scathing about the prospect of Morgan taking charge at Chepauk, drawing a firm line between his qualities as a player and his credentials as a coach. "I won't go for Eoin Morgan for sure. He was a good player and a good captain for England. But as a coach, I won't accept him as an option," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel. "Even as KKR's captain, he didn't do anything great. It'll be best if he just sticks to commentary." He was equally dismissive of the idea of Brendon McCullum, whose existing commitments as England's white-ball coach would complicate any IPL role, particularly with preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup under way. "Likewise, it'll be good for CSK if they don't appoint Brendon McCullum as the head coach. They should say no to both Morgan and McCullum," Srikkanth added. MORE: Dhoni held talks with McCullum over vacant CSK coach's job in England Srikkanth believes CSK doesn't need anyone from outside In place of the overseas candidates, Srikkanth pointed to the man already inside the dressing room, arguing that batting coach Michael Hussey needs no introduction to the franchise's culture. Crucially, though, he framed the entire appointment around Dhoni, who did not play a single game in the IPL 2026 season and whose future role remains unresolved. "CSK don't need anyone from outside when they have Mr. Cricket with him. Michael Hussey should be the automatic head coach. He will be the best choice," Srikkanth said. "But what will MS Dhoni's place in CSK be going forward? That arrangement has to be fixed first, and only then will everything else fall in place." MORE: The Hardik Pandya trade: Which team will sign the India all-rounder from MI for IPL 2027? Why Srikkanth is right to put Dhoni before the coach The logic behind Srikkanth's sequencing is difficult to argue with. Any incoming head coach needs to know precisely how much authority they will hold, and at CSK that question is impossible to answer without first establishing whether Dhoni remains a player, moves into a mentoring capacity, or steps back entirely. It also explains why an internal appointment carries genuine appeal. Hussey has spent years working alongside Dhoni and understands the franchise's peculiar dynamics, whereas an outsider like Morgan would be walking into a dressing room where the most influential voice may not even be the coach. After three seasons without a playoff spot, CSK need clarity as much as they need a fresh set of ideas, and Srikkanth has identified the order in which they should arrive. For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary and to share your voice, head to our Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) pages