3 Indians who could become CSK’s next coach

CSK have parted ways with head coach Stephen Fleming after IPL 2026.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made a big decision ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027. The franchise parted ways with head coach Stephen Fleming after availing his services for 17 years.

The former New Zealand captain joined CSK in the maiden edition as a player in 2008 and was appointed head coach in the next season. He continued to hold the position till the 2026 season, having played a crucial role in the franchise’s success over the years with former captain MS Dhoni.

After Fleming’s ouster, Chennai Super Kings will be eyeing a fresh journey in the tournament. Ahead of IPL 2027, they would want to appoint a coach, who could help them bring back their dominance of Chennai in the forthcoming seasons.

A few names are leading the race to become CSK’s new coach. Below are three Indians who could be appointed as Super Kings’ head coach in IPL 2027.

3 Indians who could be appointed as CSK’s head coach for IPL 2027

3. Ravichandran Ashwin

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is the first name on this list. Ashwin is not new to the CSK setup as he has played for them in many seasons. From his IPL debut in 2009 to 2015, the right-arm spinner was part of the franchise.

He was the frontline spinner for the side during these years and played a crucial role in their victories in the 2010 and 2011 editions.

After playing for different teams from 2016 to 2024, the cricketer-turned-commentator returned to Super Kings in IPL 2025 after getting picked in the mega auction. Following the tournament, he announced his retirement from Indian cricket and the IPL.

Since Ashwin was part Chennai for a long time during his IPL career and is also known for his smart cricketing brain, he could be a good option to take the post of CSK’s head coach. The 39-year-old has not coached any IPL franchise so far.

2. Rahul Dravid

Former Indian captain and coach Rahul Dravid is another strong contender to become the head coach of Super Kings. Unlike Ashwin, Dravid has decent experience and record as a coach.

For instance, he helped the Indian Cricket Team to win an ICC title after 11 years in 2024, when Rohit Sharma & Co. won the T20 World Cup by defeating South Africa in the final. He was the head coach of India from November 2021 to 2024, guiding the team to multiple triumphs during his tenure across three formats.

After stepping down from the post, he took the role of Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) head coach in September 2024. However, due to RR’s dismal show in IPL 2025 and the franchise’s structural review ahead of the 2026 season, Dravid stepped down from his position.

Notably, the Indian Cricket Team under Dravid had a win percentage of more than 70% across three formats, which proves his excellence as a coach. Since the 53-year-old is not the head coach of any IPL team currently, CSK can approach him ahead of the next season.

1. Hemang Badani

Former Indian player Hemang Badani is one of the front-runners to become CSK’s next head coach. He was the head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC) for the last two seasons, however, his two-year contract is set to end this year.

After two dismal seasons in the IPL, the Capitals franchise are looking for a big overhaul ahead of IPL 2027. JSW Sports, the franchise’s co-owner, is set to undertake the operations of the team for the next two seasons.

As per reports, Sourav Ganguly is going to take the position of DC’s head coach in the next season, while the entire support staff unit will be changed. Therefore, Badani is expected to part ways with Capitals ahead of IPL 2026, which will make him free to join Super Kings as their next coach.

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