Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Chennai Super Kings have reached the right moment to begin a new chapter following Stephen Fleming's exit, while insisting MS Dhoni would be the best choice to take charge if he is willing to step into the role.
CSK and Fleming mutually agreed to part ways on Tuesday, ending one of the longest and most successful coach-franchise partnerships in IPL history. Fleming, who joined the franchise as a player in 2008 before becoming head coach in 2009, guided the team to five IPL titles, two Champions League Twenty20 crowns, 10 IPL finals and 12 playoff appearances.
Having spent several years under the Fleming-Dhoni leadership at CSK, Ashwin said the partnership had been exceptional but felt the franchise now needed to look ahead.
“Fleming really understood what ticked Dhoni, and Dhoni understood that Fleming was a great lieutenant, and that partnership carried on for such a long time. I would say it was about time Chennai Super Kings looked beyond,” Ashwin said on ESPNcricinfo.
Ashwin believes Dhoni's deep understanding of the franchise makes him the standout candidate to replace Fleming if the former India captain is interested in coaching.
“If Dhoni is willing to do that, there is no better person that Chennai Super Kings can go after,” he said.
At the same time, Ashwin cautioned that appointing an external coach would not be straightforward because of Dhoni's continued influence within the franchise.
“If not, they need to find someone who will be able to operate independently and take accountability for his or her own actions,” Ashwin said.
He also pointed out that whoever takes over will have to work in an environment where Dhoni remains a major voice in cricketing matters.
“I think there is a small aspect of uncertainty for anybody who will walk into that dressing room. Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a huge name, and he's still very much a part of the discussion when you're talking about a squad that will be picked to play,” Ashwin added.
Fleming's unparalleled legacy
Stephen Fleming's tenure as CSK head coach is one of the most decorated in T20 cricket history. The former New Zealand captain brought a calm, analytical approach that perfectly complemented Dhoni's tactical acumen on the field. Under Fleming, CSK developed a core group of players—Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Dwayne Bravo, and Ravindra Jadeja—who formed the backbone of the team's success. The franchise won its first IPL title in 2010, defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final, and followed it up with victories in 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. Their 2023 triumph was especially poignant as it came after two years of rebuilding following the 2022 mega auction.
Fleming's ability to manage egos, foster a family-like atmosphere, and extract peak performances from aging stars earned him widespread respect across the league. His strategic use of spin-friendly Chepauk pitches and astute player selections—like picking Ruturaj Gaikwad as a future captain—cemented his status as a legendary figure in Chennai. The mutual parting suggests a desire for new ideas, but Fleming leaves behind a template that any successor must live up to.
Ashwin's unique perspective
Ravichandran Ashwin's endorsement carries weight given his own history with CSK. The off-spinner was part of the franchise from 2008 to 2015, winning four titles before moving to other teams. He returned to CSK in the 2023 season but was mostly used as a spin-bowling option rather than a frontline wicket-taker. His comments reflect an insider's understanding of the CSK ecosystem, where Dhoni's influence extends beyond his playing role.
Ashwin's own career has seen him evolve into one of India's most successful Test bowlers, with over 500 wickets in the format. But his deep tactical mind and outspoken nature make him a valuable commentator on team dynamics. In this case, his insight that Dhoni could step into a coaching role is significant because Dhoni has never publicly expressed interest in coaching after retirement. However, Ashwin believes the former captain's unparalleled knowledge of the game and his rapport with current players would make the transition seamless.
“Dhoni knows the DNA of CSK inside out. He knows what kind of players thrive in that environment and how to get the best out of them. It's a natural progression, almost like a father passing the baton to the son,” Ashwin remarked.
The challenge for an external coach
Ashwin also highlighted the difficulty a newcomer would face in a dressing room still dominated by Dhoni's presence. “If you appoint someone from outside, they might struggle to assert their authority because Dhoni is a towering figure. He's not just a player; he's the brand, the identity of the franchise. Any new coach will have to work around that reality.”
This echoes sentiments from former CSK players who have noted that Dhoni's voice carries immense weight in team meetings and strategy sessions. Even after stepping down as captain in 2024, Dhoni remained a mentor to Gaikwad and a sounding board for Fleming. The new head coach, whether Dhoni or an outsider, will need to navigate this delicate balance.
Several names have been linked with the role. Former CSK bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji, currently with the franchise as a mentor, is a strong internal candidate. Others include Mike Hussey, who has been with CSK as batting coach for years, and even foreign options like former Australia captain Ricky Ponting or England's Eoin Morgan. However, Ashwin's suggestion puts Dhoni firmly in the spotlight.
Dhoni's evolving role
MS Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020 but continues to play for CSK in the IPL. At 45, his fitness and reflexes remain remarkable, though his batting has become more limited in recent years. He has repeatedly stated that he takes each season as it comes and has not hinted at any coaching aspirations. Yet Ashwin's comments may spur conversations within the CSK management.
If Dhoni does accept the head coach role, it would create a unique precedent—a player-coach in modern T20 cricket. CSK has shown a willingness to adapt: they appointed Gaikwad as captain while Dhoni stayed as a player, a move that worked smoothly. A coaching transition could be similarly handled, with Dhoni gradually taking on more responsibility behind the scenes.
From a tactical perspective, Dhoni's strengths align perfectly with coaching. His reading of the game, especially in pressure situations, is legendary. He is also known for his man-management skills, able to motivate underdogs and keep stars grounded. The biggest question is his willingness to commit to the rigorous travel and media duties that come with coaching.
Looking ahead
Chennai Super Kings are at a crossroads. The post-Fleming era marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in IPL history. The franchise now has to decide whether to promote from within or bring in fresh leadership. Either way, the shadow of Dhoni will loom large.
Ashwin's interview has set the cricketing world buzzing. Fans on social media have expressed mixed reactions—many are excited at the prospect of Coach Dhoni, while others feel the franchise should move on completely and allow a new voice to shape the team's future. The CSK management, led by owner N. Srinivasan, is known for its loyalty to veterans but also for its forward-thinking decisions, such as the timely transition of captaincy.
The decision is expected to be announced within the next few weeks, before the 2027 IPL mega auction. The new coach will have a crucial role in building the squad for the next cycle. If Dhoni takes the reins, his first task will be deciding whether to continue playing or focus solely on coaching. Either way, Ashwin has made it clear: there is “no better person” for the job.
Source: Yahoo Sports News